TURTLE-DOVES. 427 
It has a habit, after it has risen to a certain height, of throwing five 
or six somersaults. 
The Wheeling Pigeon describes circles like birds of prey. It is 
turbulent, and ought to be banished from pigeon-houses. 
The Nun Pigeon is recognised by a kind of hood formed of raised 
feathers, which covers the back of the head and neck, and to which 
it owes itsname. It flies heavily, but is very familiar and very prolific. 
The Fan-tailed Pigeon is remarkable for its tail, which is very large, 
and raised like that of the Peacock, and for the convulsive trembling 
which agitates it, especially at breeding-time. It thrives badly in an 
aviary, and is little valued, except as an object of curiosity. 
There are two species of Turtle-doves, Zurtur communis and 
Turtur risorius, The former is the smallest species of the family of 
Colombidz. They are found throughout southern and temperate 
Europe, but are more abundant in the south. They arrive in France in 
spring, and depart for warmer countries at the end of summer. They 
build their nests in large trees in the shady and most retired parts of 
woods. ‘They feed on seeds and berries. After harvest they. visit 
stubbles of wheat or other grain ; the abundant nourishment which 
they there find makes their flesh extremely delicate and nutritious. 
Although naturally wild, the Turtle-dove is easily tamed when taken 
young, when it evinces great attachment. 
The latter is indigenous to Africa, where it lives in a state of 
freedom. This is the species which, in Europe, is raised in cages 
and aviaries. In certain towns of Egypt, particularly Alexandria 
and Cairo, they are so tame that they walk in the streets, and even 
enter houses, fearless of the presence of occupants. They are 
prolific, for they lay every month, except during the moulting season. 
Their cooing somewhat resembles a laugh—hence the name of 
Laughing-dove which has been given them. The ancients made the 
Turtle-dove an emblem of tenderness. This honour is justified by the 
kind attention which the male shows the female, especially during 
the period of incubation. 
The Migratory or Passenger Pigeon (L£etopistes migratorius, Fig. 
163) is the Columba migratoria of many authors: it inhabits North 
America. They are remarkable for the strength and rapidity of their 
flight, and for the migrations which they accomplish. 
The American naturalist, Audubon, says, “ Pigeons have been 
killed in the neighbourhood of New York having their crops still 
full of rice, which they could not have obtained nearer than the 
fields of Georgia and Carolina—6oo or 7oo miles distant. As 
their digestion is sufficiently rapid to entirely decompose grain in 
