132 LAND BIRDS 
partments for the purpose, like domestic pigeons. The 
eggs are glistering white, equally round at both ends and 
very beautiful to look at. The birds themselves are 
remarkably handsome, and seen coming like rockets 
through the air down the side of the mountain, are 
startling to the ear as well as to the eye. The noise is 
produced by the rapid vibration of the wings, and re- 
sembles the roar of escaping steam. In flying upward 
or on a level, the sound is less loud but quite as char- 
acteristic, and, when a large flock are startled into flight, 
the vibratory effect is not unlike that of a small cyclone. 
316. MOURNING DOVE. 
Zenaidura macroura. 
Famity: The Pigeons, or Doves. 
Length: 11.00-13.00. 
Adult Male: Upper parts soft brownish ; head and neck iridescent gray- 
ish pink ; a black spot on sides of the head ; sides of neck, chest, 
and breast changeable metallic purple-pink, changing to buff on the 
belly. 
Adult Female: Similar to male, but paler, and metallie gloss less 
distinct. 
Young: Duller than female, and without black spot on the head. 
Geographical Distribution: Temperate North America, north to Canada, 
south to Panama. 
Breeding Range: Breeds throughout its habitat. 
Breeding Season: March to October. 
Nest: A platform of sticks, in a bush or tree. 
Eggs: 2; white, Size 1.12 X 0.82. 
For a land bird, the Mourning Dove is strikingly fond 
of the water and usually tries to build within sight of it. 
At intervals all day, the parent birds fly back and forth 
between it and their nest, if brooding, and I have reason 
to believe that the male brings the female water as well 
o—weteler ign & 
