Birds of Pennsylvania. 



55 



The only species with which the Mourning Dove, so called from its 

 note, can possibly be confounded is the Wild Pigeon, from which it 

 can readily be distinguished if the following facts are remembered. 

 The Dove measures about thirteen inches in length and eighteen 

 inches in alar extent; the Pigeon about seventeen by twenty-five 

 inches. So, first we find a marked difference in size. Secondly, the 

 Dove has fourteen tail feathers ; the Pigeon has but twelve : again, 

 the eyes of the Dove are brown, while those of the Pigeon are red. 

 This bird is found in Pennsylvania during all seasons of the year, and 

 at times other than when breeding is gregarious. In March, the flocks 

 which have been observed during the winter about the fields and or- 

 chards, separate and begin their love-making. The nest, a carelessly 

 constructed affair, is made up entirely of small sticks, and is generally 

 found placed on a large limb of a tree in an apple orchard. On the 

 barren ridge, in eastern Pennsylvania, I have on several occasions 

 found these birds nesting in pine trees ; the eggs are two in number, 

 white and unspotted. Sometimes these birds will occupy nests which 

 have been deserted by other species. I once, some few years ago, 

 found a pair breeding in the nest of a Green Heron, which had been 

 deserted by the original possessors. On another occasion, a nest was 

 found built in that of a Crow Blackbird. 



Food. 



Doves rarely feed on insects, but subsist almost exclusively on 

 cereals, small seeds, and, occasionally, it is said, on various wild ber- 

 ries. 



Birds of Prey and the "Scalp" Act of June 23, 1885. 



In an agricultural district, the preservation of the hawk and owl 

 tribe is a matter of great importance. These birds, with few excep- 

 tions, subsist mainly on mice, other small quadrupeds and various 



