MID-APRIL 63 
nor complete. Some of the feathers here are 
iridescent. The males of both species coo to 
their mates, especially at morning, and at 
evening as they come to roost together 
(they are mated for life), and these love notes 
are accentuated at the breeding season. The 
‘ co0-coo-coo-00-00’ of the ringdove has been 
likened to a human being talking, and not 
without reason. Sometimes the first coo is 
much emphasized, then the second is uttered 
in an explosive manner. These variations 
seem to imply at times vehement scolding 
Opeeniteaty, at others intense ailection. 
Some people like the notes, others find them 
mournful. The ringdove (woodpigeon) chooses 
trees or high bushes to build in, whilst the 
stockdove prefers holes in trees, in pollard 
tops, etc., andis sometimes found in the neigh- 
bourhood of the sea, where he will, perhaps, 
nest low in a rabbit burrow. The ringdove 
is much the commoner bird near London. 
Another pigeon found in the neighbourhood 
of great towns (as well as in the country 
generally) is the Turtledove. It is quite a 
