46 Forest Birds. 
the surrounding onlookers. Nevertheless, they be- 
come so tame, that they will pick up bread that is 
thrown to them, and will even approach to within a 
yard of the railings, over which a score or more of 
persons may be looking at them. When drinking, 
the Woodpigeon does not take short sips like other 
birds, but satisfies its thirst by one long draught 
as a horse would do. 
The great length of this bird, combined with the 
conspicuous white bar across the wing, enables one 
to distinguish it at a great distance when in the air. 
Its flight is strong and rapid, and as the bird rushes 
along, it will often suddenly stop beating its wings, 
and, almost closing them, glide through the air until 
the force of the impetus is expended, when, again 
flapping its wings, it continues its journey. 
The Woodpigeon becomes very bold in gardens 
during the summer months, and we have seen its 
nests within twenty yards of a house. 
It is very destructive to fruit, being especially 
fond of black currants, while pears and plums are 
also favourite dainties. Ordinarily, its food consists 
of buds, young green leaves, beechmast, acorns, and 
grains of various kinds, all of which are swallowed 
whole, and we have heard of as many as ten perfect 
acorns being taken from the crop of one Woodpigeon. 
In the autumn and winter these birds congregate, 
