COLUMBIDJE. 237 



This Dove constructs a nest of a few rough sticks in 

 a bush or at the extremity of a bough of some low 

 stunted tree. The sticks composing the nest are so 

 loosely put together that a person looking at it from 

 below may see the two white eggs through the nest. 

 It is seldom that more than one egg is hatched. The 

 young are usually fledged by the middle of January. 



The iris in this species is dark brown, the bill black, 

 the legs bluish flesh-colour. 



[I incline to the opinion expressed by Mr. Andersson, that the 

 South-African race of this Dove is not specifically distinct from 

 that found to the north of the equator ; but I have not examined 

 a sufficient number of specimens to enable me to speak confi- 

 dently on the subject. ED.] 



