THE RING DOVE 
the rural and outlying suburbs, but in some of the western 
districts seems more abundant in winter than in summer. 
Although not so common as Sparrows and Starlings, 
the Ring Dove has now become one of the most familiar 
of London’s birds, and in at least several cases has 
interbred with the ordinary dove-cote Pigeons of the 
Metropolis. ‘There is scarcely a park, a square, or a 
public garden in London where this bird may not be 
seen, either clumsily waddling about the grass or sitting, 
all unmindful of the din of the traffic, in the plane and 
other trees that relieve the dreary monotony of the 
streets. As a dweller in the country I knew the Ring 
Dove as one of the shyest and wariest of birds ; in London 
I was simply amazed to see it so tame and confiding, 
walking about the parks, picking up bread scattered by 
passers-by, and almost remaining to be kicked out of the 
way. Although at all times socially inclined, the Ring 
Dove, even in London, does not yet breed in colonies, and 
in autumn it congregates into flocks. Its flight is direct 
and powerful, and in the air it may readily be recognised 
by the white neck-patches, which are very conspicuous. 
Its note is a full, rounded coo, variously modulated, 
especially during the love season, which may be said to 
begin in March. Its food consists of all kinds of grain, 
beans, peas, fruits, and berries, acorns, beech-mast, and 
tender shoots of clover. In London it will eat almost 
anything of a vegetable nature. The Ring Dove pairs 
for life, and commences nesting duties as early as March, 
continuing to rear brood after brood until the autumn. 
In the London area the nest is usually made in a tree or 
tall bush, and is a slight, flat platform of interlaced twigs. 
The two eggs are white. I have often remarked that in 
autumn a very considerable reduction in its numbers in 
London takes place, and continues through the winter, 
the birds apparently retiring to the country districts, as so 
many Sparrows do in autumn, 
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