142 British Birds ^ 



the fragments of decayed wood which line a hole in a 

 tree. They are from six to ten in number, and white 

 and glossy, and about the same size as those of the 

 Barred Woodpecker. The old bird is singularly un- 

 willing to leave her eggs under any intrusion, and 

 tries by such means as hissing sharply, elevating her 

 crest and contorting her neck, to intimidate or deter 

 the intruder. 



ORDER.— COLUMBiE. 

 FAMILY.— COLUMBIDiE. 



RING T>0\^—{Cohi7nba palumhus\ 



Wood Pigeon, Ring Pigeon, Cushat, Cushie Doo, 

 Queest. — This, the first bird in the new Order of 

 Columbse, is tolerably well known to every one the 

 least acquainted with ordinary country scenes and 

 objects. A fine, handsome bird, met with everywhere 

 throughout the country, and, in many parts of it. 

 seen in very large flocks in the winter-time ; sure to 

 attract attention, also, as we walk through the wood, 

 by the loud ringing clap of bis wings as he takes 

 flight; and all this independently of his plaintive 

 murmur in the breeding season, sounding very sweet 

 and mellow as heard from a little distance — the Wood 

 Pigeon, or Queest, or Cushat, as he is named in 

 different districts, is as prominent among wild birds as 

 the parson of the parish among his parishioners. The 

 young birds are frequently taken from the nest and 

 reared by hand; and the bold, fearless, confiding 



