ZENAIDURA CAROLINENSIS : WILD DOVE. 



141 



quills. General coloration and sexual differences much the 

 same as in the Wild Pigeon. A velvety-black spot on the side 

 of the head, and others on the wings, the former wanting in the 

 Pigeon. Much smaller. Length, about 12.00; extent, 17.00; 

 wing, 5.50-6.00 ; tail about the same. 



This is a common summer resident with us, occasion- 

 ally remaining through the winter, as the Wild Pigeon 

 also sometimes does. Though often seen in companies 

 of some extent, it is not particularly gregarious, and is 

 generally dispersed in pairs or singly through the woods 



Fig. 29. — Head and Foot of Mourning Dove. Natural size. 



and fields. In the autumn, however, similarity of tastes 

 and needs generally brings many individuals together at 

 eligible feeding grounds. It is naturally a gentle and 

 confiding bird, but is subject to such persecution from 

 the gunners that it is usually considered wild and shy. 

 In portions of the country where it is seldom molested, 

 few birds are less timid in the presence of man. Dur- 

 ing the breeding season, generally May in New Eng- 

 land, the woods resound with the cooing of the ardent 

 and affectionate creatures ; but at other seasons the 

 Dove is a remarkably silent bird. The eggs are usually 

 two in number, pure white, elliptical, measuring i.ioby 

 0.85. The nest is placed indifferently upon a tree or bush, 



