TURTLE DOVE. 



TURTUR AURITUS. 



Family Columbid^. Genus Turtur. 



Turtle — Ring-necked Turtle — Wrekin Dove. 



The Turtle Dove, unlike the rest of this family, only 

 spends the summer months here, arriving about the 

 beginning of May, and leaving in August or Septem- 

 ber. It is found in most parts of England south of 

 Yorkshire, but is commonest in the southern and 

 eastern counties. In Wales and Ireland it is very 

 rare, and in Scotland only accidental. 



It is much the smallest of the Doves, and may be 

 easily distinguished by this, and the much browner 

 general colour which it has. When flying, the broadly 

 white-tipped tail feathers are very noticeable. Another 

 distinguishing feature is the black streaks, bordered 

 with silvery white, at the sides of the throat. 



The Turtle Dove feeds upon grain and seeds, es- 

 pecially the seeds of the fir, which it always seeks for 

 on the ground. This bird, like all the family, is very 

 fond of water, both drinking a great deal and bathing 

 itself very frequently. 



