178 BIRDS OF THE WATER 



taken to join ''Kuku" and "Pidgy" at the 

 house. 



The Pigeon has several notes, one a single 

 low "ku," which may be taken to express 

 watchfulness and caution, perhaps recogni- 

 tion too; then there is a louder, more 

 interrogative single "ku," by which alarm 

 is indicated. The "growl" of extreme 

 anger in the hen bird, and the eager pipe- 

 ing of the nestling in expectation of food, 

 have been mentioned. There is also the 

 almost inaudible sharp, slightly sibilant 

 whistle of welcome, hardly perhaps a 

 whistle, or if to be so designated, then a 

 whistle etherial, spiritual and sublimated to 

 attenuity. I often hear ''Uncle Harry," 

 perched in the pear tree, shaking his wings 

 and whistling thus when he spies me on the 

 lawTi and welcomes my approach. Then 

 there is the curious double sound of grunt 

 and whistle, noticeable when food is not at 

 once forthcoming, and which may perhaps 

 express impatience. Lastly there is the 

 moan* coming sometimes, though very 



Note. — "The moan of doves in immemorial elms, ami 

 murmuring of innumerable bees. ' ' 



