THE MOURNING DOVE 126 



them in flocks in the grain fields. They are recognized as 

 game birds and are protected by law, and are on the in- 

 crease in many parts of the country. 



They are silent birds except for their love song, which 

 is a sort of a coo-ow, coo, coo. Because of the moumful- 

 ness of these notes the birds are often called mourning 

 doves. There are several species of doves, but the habits of 

 all are similar. Their notes are so alike that a person who 

 is familiar with one will recognize that of another. Never- 

 theless each variety has a distinguishing note so that any 

 one who really knows the woods can recognize at once 

 what variety of dove he hears cooing. 



From the earliest days of history the dove has been a 

 favorite, and has long been used as the emblem of peace 

 and of all that is pure and good. 



