COLUMBA PALUMBTTS _ 227 



summer, but is never seen in winter. The woods of these mountain 

 ranges are mostly of Aleppo-Pine (P. hahpensis), and seem to attract 

 the pigeon more than do the oak-forests of the country further 

 north. 



The native name for the Wood-Pigeon in Tunisia is " Arzadi," 

 and that of the Eock-Dove (C. livia) " Uainman Berri." The latter 

 name appears to be used in Marocco for the Stock-Dove as well as 

 for the Eock-Dove. 



According to Loche the present species is resident in the wooded 

 parts of Algeria, but is more aljundant on passage in spring and 

 autumn, when it may often be observed in vast flocks. 



Bonaparte's name of P. excelsus (Comp. Eend. Acad. Sci. tom. xliii, 

 1856), was probably based merely on large examples of the present 

 species. 



Throughout the wooded districts of Marocco the Wood-Pigeon is 

 plentiful, particularly on migration, though it is also resident to 

 a considerable extent. 



In its habits this Pigeon is essentially arboreal, frequenting forests 

 and wooded localities where trees of a certain size are to be found. 

 In Europe the species has of recent years become a denizen of our 

 town parks and gardens, and may be found firmly estal)lished and 

 nesting in many large towns both in England and on the Continent. 

 It may even be met with occasionally nesting on houses and other 

 buildings. Under its altered conditions of environment the character 

 of the species seems to have undergone a complete change, and in 

 the place of the shy wary Wood-Pigeon of the country, ready to take 

 to flight on the crackling of a leaf or the slightest intimation of 

 danger, we have a tame semi-domesticated bird, perfectly at home 

 amid the traffic and bustle of crowded thoroughfares, exhibiting no 

 sign of fear, but on the contrary confidently approaching and even 

 taking food from the hands of the passer-by. 



This acclimatisation, as it may be termed, of the Wood-Pigeon in 

 towns may be looked upon as one of the most interesting and impor- 

 tant ornithological events of recent years, and affords an excellent 

 illustration of the transformation the habits of a bird are capable of 

 undergoing under modified conditions of environment and life. 



Though gregarious when on migration and during the greater part 

 of the year, the Wood-Pigeon is strictly monogamous and to be found 

 in pairs during the breeding-season. The male and female of a pair 



