COLUMBA (ENAS 229 



According to Loche the species is abundant in Algeria, particularly 

 in February and October on passage, and is to be met with in the 

 Sahara as well as in the more wooded country further north. Canon 

 Tristram obtained specimens of the bird in the Dayat of Tihbremet, 

 between El-Aghouat and the Mzab country, in the month of Novem- 

 ber, but states that this was the only occasion on which he met with 

 the species in the Sahara, though it was very common in all the 

 wooded districts of the Atlas. 



Colonel Irby appears to have found the Stock-Dove not uncommon 

 in North Marocco in spring and thinks that the species breeds there, 

 although he did not actually find its nest. According to Mr. Meade- 

 Waldo this Dove is locally common in the Maroccan Atlas, and, 

 judging from the fact of his meeting with it in summer, there can be 

 little doubt that it nests in the country. 



In its habits the present species resembles the Wood-Pigeon to a 

 certain extent, but in some ways it is more like the Eock-Dove, and 

 particularly in its movements, both on the wing and on the ground. 

 Its flight is lighter than that of the Wood-Pigeon, and when rising, it 

 does not make the loud clapping with its wings which that species 

 does. 



It is sociable and gregarious, except for a short time during the 

 spring and summer when breeding, and like the Wood-Pigeon, the 

 pairs, when mated, are most devoted to each other and to their off- 

 spring. Its note is shorter and less distinct than that of the Wood- 

 Pigeon and resembles more that of the domestic Pigeon. It feeds on 

 seeds and grain of any kind, as well as on beech-mast and the tender 

 roots and shoots of various plants. 



In its breeding-habits this species differs from the preceding one 

 in placing its nest in a hole, generally that of an old tree, but rabbit- 

 burrows, cliffs, and even buildings are sometimes used for the purpose. 

 The eggs, as a rule, are two in number, white or creamy-white, and 

 measure about 38 X 27 mm. 



