STOCK-DOVE. 347 



links. This bird is gregarious enough during autumn 

 and winter, and even during the nesting season is 

 remarkably social, in some JDlaces breeding in colonies, 

 as for instance in Sherwood Forest. I am of opinion 

 that the Stock-Dove pairs for life, yearly returning to 

 certain haunts to breed, and being much attached to 

 its nesting-places. The nest is always placed in a 

 covered site by preference ; and, so far as my experi- 

 ence of this species extends, holes in trees and cliffs, 

 and the deserted nests of Crows and Magpies, and the 

 old dreys of squirrels are the favourite situations. It is, 

 however, frequently made amongst dense masses of ivy, 

 in pollard trees, and in rabbit-earths, and occasionally 

 in church steeples and old towers. It is a slight struc- 

 ture — a mere mat of twigs, roots, or straws, carelessly 

 arranged, and in many cases is dispensed with alto- 

 gether. The bird is rather a close sitter ; but this 

 depends a good deal on the situation of the nest. It 

 makes no demonstration when disturbed, and flies right 

 away to some safe retreat. 



Range OF egg colouration and measurement: 

 The eggs of the Stock-Dove are normally two in 

 number, but three have been recorded. They are 

 creamy-white in colour, oval and elongated in form, and 

 smooth in texture. Average measurement, i'4 inch in 

 length, by V2 inch in breadth. Incubation, performed 

 by both sexes, lasts from seventeen to eighteen days. 



Diagnostic characters : The size and yellowish 

 tinge of the eggs of the Stock-Dove readily distinguish 

 them from those of all other allied species breeding in 

 our islands. 



