COLUMBID^. 237 



This Dove constructs a nest of a few rough sticks in 

 a bush or at the extremity of a bough of some low 

 stunted tree. The sticks composing the nest are so 

 loosely put together that a person looking at it from 

 below may see the two white eggs through the nest. 

 It is seldom that more than one e^g is hatched. The 

 young are usually fledged by the middle of January. 



The iris in this species is dark brown, the bill black, 

 the legs bluish flesh-colour. 



[I incline to the opinion expressed by Mr. Andersson, that the 

 South-African race of this Dove is not specifically distinct from 

 that found to the north of the equator ; but I have not examined 

 a sufficient number of specimens to enable me to speak confi- 

 dently on the subject. — Ed.] 



