GROUND DOVE. 1 3 



greens. But in every situation, even though in darkness, they 

 are so vigilant as to fly at the instant of approach. They do 

 not huddle together, but take up their rest in soUtude, though 

 a whole flock may be in the same field ; they also frequently 

 resort to the same roosting places, if not materially molested. 

 It is a hardy species, enduring considerable cold, and indi- 

 viduals remain even in the Middle as well as the Southern 

 States throughout the year. These birds are far less gregarious 

 and migratory than is the common Wild Pigeon. When their 

 food becomes scanty in the fields in the course of the winter, 

 they approach the farm, feeding among the poultry with the 

 Blackbirds, Sparrows, and other guests of the same accidental 

 bounty, and if allowed without reprisal, appear as gentle as 

 Domestic Doves. Raised from the nest, they are easily tamed, 

 and instances are known of their breeding in confinement. 

 Their flesh is also much esteemed, and by some considered as 

 scarcely inferior to that of the Snipe or Woodcock. 



The Mourning Dove is a common summer resident of portions 

 of southern New England, and occurs sparingly northward to 

 New Brunswick. Mr. Mc II wraith reports it breeding sparingly 

 in southern Ontario. 



GROUND DOVE. 



COLUMBIGALLINA PASSERINA TERRESTRIS. 



Char. Back and rump grayish olive, head and neck purplish red 

 glossed with blue, the feathers edged with grayish olive ; wings like back, 

 but tinged with purple and spotted with steel blue ; central tail-feathers 

 like back, outer feathers blackish with paler tips ; lower parts purplish 

 red, the feathers of the breast streaked with grayish olive ; bill yellow, 

 tipped with black ; feet yellow. Female and young paler, grayer, and 

 without the purple tints. Length 6/4 inches. 



Nest. On a tree, usually on a low branch, but sometimes 15 to 20 feet 

 from the ground ; little more than a platform of twigs. 



^gg^- 2 ; dull white or creamy ; 0.85 X 0.65. 



The Ground Dove is an inhabitant of all the States of the 

 Union south of Virginia, and is met with also in the West 

 Indies. It is common in the sea islands of the Southern 



