274 BRITISH SEA BIRDS. 
STOCK DOVE. 
This Dove, the Columba enas of naturalists, is 
very often confused with the preceding species, 
from which, however, it may readily be distinguished 
by having the rump uniform in colour with the 
back, and the wing bars broken up into patches. 
Mistaken identity is also rendered even more easy 
by the bird frequenting the coast, in just the same 
localities we associate with the Rock Dove. As 
most readers are aware, the Stock Dove isa dweller 
in wooded inland districts, as well as on the coast. 
I have, however, often remarked that the two 
species rarely inhabit the same parts of the coast, 
and that the Stock Dove shows preference for cliffs 
that are more or less densely clothed with ivy, 
stunted trees, and thickets. In its flight, shyness, 
method of searching for food, and habits generally, 
when frequenting littoral districts, the Stock Dove 
very closely resembles the Rock Dove. The note 
of the Stock Dove, heard most incessantly during 
spring and summer is, however, different, and may 
be described as a grunting coo-o0-up. At all times 
this Dove is socially inclined, and becomes, to a 
great extent, gregarious during winter ; its numbers 
being increased during that season by migrants 
from Scandinavia. Its food is chiefly obtained 
from grain lands, clover fields, and stubbles, and 
consists chiefly of grain and seeds, berries, and 
various shoots. 
