THE WOOD PIGEON 



173 



The beautiful plumage of the native wood pigeon gives it rank 

 among the most handsome birds belonging to this dominion. 

 Unfortunately for itself, its flesh is very palatable, and pigeon 

 pie is a dainty dish that is much relished. 



Pigeons formerly frequented the bush in almost all parts of 

 New Zealand. Though their numbers have been greatly reduced, 

 they are still fairly plentiful in places. Mr. W. W. Smith reports 

 that they were very common in the Lake Brunner district when 

 he visited the locality, about 1890. He noted that, in fine weather, 

 large flights changed their quarters daily, flying from shore to 



Nt -.1 .it Wood Pigeon. 



shore, or from one part of the bush to another, to visit some 

 favourite or seasonable berry-bearing trees. A plentiful season 

 of miro berries is invariably followed by a season of fat pigeons. 



The pigeon's nest is remarkably well constructed. It has been 

 compared in shape to the hollow of the human hand. The 

 materials of the slight fabric, which appear at first to be rudely 

 and carelessly placed together, are so nicely adjusted as to bear 

 with perfect safety the weight of the heavy builders. In the 

 slight depression of the platform, the egg, or young, lies undis- 

 turbed by the swaying caused by passing winds. There is a 

 long breeding season. The reason for this, it is thought, is the 

 bird's migratory habits, which lead it to feeding grounds where 

 its food is to be found in most abundance. It is thought that this 

 habit of changing its quarters accounts for the fact that its nest 

 is not often seen. 



