162 On the Occurrence of some of iJte Rarer Species of Birds 



anywhere in our immediate neig'libourliood, nor do I think it ever 

 occurs here; its natural home being more to the northward, where 

 it breeds in large numbers in the holes and crevices of the cliffs on 

 the coast. Its place, however, is well supplied by its descendants, 

 the semi-domesticated Pigeons that lead an Arab and nomad life, 

 owning no master, and building securely in some carefully-selected 

 spot that well represents its natural habitat, such as the more ancient 

 of our belfry towers, or loftier public buildings, where they rear 

 their young in safety year by year. 



As a proof of the fecundity of the tame species, which are des- 

 cended from the Rock Dove, I remember once having a tame pigeon 

 of almost precisely the same plumage as the wild sort, which mated 

 with a carrier ; and these birds brought up thirteeen broods in one 

 year, the old birds all through the spring sitting on eggs and feeding 

 the former pair of nestlings at the same time with most laudable 

 energy, another nest being generally made close to the old one where 

 the nestlings were. I had various kinds of pigeons at the time. 

 Carriers, Almond Tumblers, Jacobins, Fantails, and other sorts ; but 

 this was the only pair that bred in this most extraordinary manner. 



Columha Turtur. " The Turtle Dove.''^ This is by far the most 

 beautiful and elegant variety of all our British Doves, with its softly 

 blended colouring, and delicate mottling on the back. From its 

 very appearance it declares itself a lover of fair and sunny climes, 

 only condescending to visit us for about four months in the year, 

 appearing generally about the beginning of May, seldom before, and 

 leaving us again at the end of August, or early in September. It 

 has a short and rapid flight, being of slender proportions, and having 

 much more pointed wings than any other of the Doves. This bird 

 is very generally, if not universally, held up as a pattern of conjugal 

 affection and faithfulness ; an idea which is doubtless strengthened 

 by its peculiarly plaintive, and soothing notes. Indeed there is no 

 note of any other bird that strikes one more forcibly with the idea 

 of loving and peaceful contentment than the voice of the Turtur. 

 But I have always heard, and very much fear, that this character 

 after all is but ill-deserved by it, for this species is said to differ 

 from all the other Pigeons in its attachment to its mate. " The 



