WOOD-PIGEON, OB BINGDOVE 259 



Of the four species of British doves, the wood-pigeon is the most 

 interesting, as well as the best kno^vn, on account of its large size, 

 its abundance, and general diffusion throughout the country, and its 

 plaintive music, so familiar to everyone ; not in the rural districts 

 only, but even in London town, where this bird exists in a semi- 

 domestic state, and is seen to be actually tamer than the domestic 

 pigeons it frequently associates with. Like most widely diffused and 

 well-known species, it is called by various names : quest and cushat 

 in the north, and, in England, ringdove and wood-pigeon. The last 

 name, which it once shared with the stock-dove, is now becoming 

 the most general. 



For many years past the wood-pigeon has been increasing in 

 numbers, and, in Scotland, extending its range ; this is no doubt 

 due to the spread of cultivation and the planting of trees, and to the 

 extirpation of its natural enemies, the rapacious birds, by game- 

 keepers. But, in spite of all this, it is really surprising that the 

 wood-pigeon should continue to increase, considering that it is one 

 of the most persecuted of wild birds, and is perpetually being shot 

 at by everyone in possession of a gun, from various motives. It 

 affords good sport, and is a good bird for the table, and is heartily 

 disliked by the farmers. It is an exceedingly voracious feeder, and 

 as it is partial to grain of aU kinds, to young turnip buds and 

 leaves, also to the roots in which rooks or other birds have first 

 pecked a hole, the amount of damage it does is very considerable. 

 It also devours gooseberries, green com, young clover, acorns, 

 beech-mast, and wild fruit of most kinds. But the pigeon is not 

 purely a pest to the farmer ; after the harvest, when it resorts to the 

 stubbles, it consumes an immense quantity of seeds of charlock and 

 other noxious weeds. 



In autumn and winter the number of wood-pigeons is greatly 

 increased by the arrival of large flocks from the Continent ; and at 

 this season, and until March, it is not uncommon to see them con- 

 gregated in thousands. 



The wood-pigeon is the handsomest, as well as the largest, of the 

 British doves, its dove-grey tints being singularly delicate, soft, 

 and harmonious, and their effect heightened by the white marks 

 and touch of iridescent colour on the neck. On the ground its 

 motions are dehberate, and have a graceful dignity which contrasts 

 strongly with the hurried, eager manner of the rock-pigeon and 

 stock-dove. When startled from its perch it rushes out with great 

 violence and loud clapping of the wings. Its flight is easy and 



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