46 Forest Birds. 



the surrounding onlookers. Nevertheless, they be- 

 come so tame, that they will pick up bread that is 

 thrown to them, and will even approach to within a 

 yard of the railings, over which a score or more of 

 persons may be looking at them. When drinking, 

 the Woodpigeon does not take short sips like other 

 birds, but satisfies its thirst by one long draught 

 as a horse would do. 



The great length of this bird, combined with the 

 conspicuous white bar across the wing, enables one 

 to distinguish it at a great distance when in the air. 

 Its flight is strong and rapid, and as the bird rushes 

 alongj it will often suddenly stop beating its wings, 

 and, almost closing them, glide through the air until 

 the force of the impetus is expended, when, again 

 flapping its wings, it continues its journey. 



The Woodpigeon becomes very bold in gardens 

 during the summer months, and we have seen its 

 nests within twenty yards of a house. 



It is very destructive to fruit, being especially 

 fond of black currants, while pears and plums are 

 also favourite dainties. Ordinarily, its food consists 

 of buds, young green leaves, beechmast, acorns, and 

 grains of various kinds, all of which are swallowed 

 whole, and we have heard of as many as ten perfect 

 acorns being taken from the crop of one Woodpigeon. 



In the autumn and winter these birds congregate, 



