BIRDS OF THE SEASHORE nr 



Habits. This species is the Falcon used for hawking, 

 on account of its remarkably rapid and dashing flight 

 and its fearless nature. It captures its prey by striking 

 it down with its talons. 



Food. Birds of various kinds up to the size of a Crow ; 

 sometimes small mammals. 



Nest. April. One brood. 



Site. On some inaccessible ledge on the sea-cliffs ; 

 seldom in trees. 



Materials. If any sticks, seaweed, grass, &c. 



Eggs. Two to four. Yellowish white, well marked 

 with rich red, orange-brown, and brick-red. Variable. 



ROCK DOVE (Columba livia}. 



Its natural home is the sea-cliffs, and is especially 

 common in Scotland, Ireland, and the islands adjoining ; 

 found also in suitable districts on many parts of the 

 English coast. This species is the wild form of the 

 domesticated Pigeon. 



Plumage. Generally much like the Ring and Stock 

 Doves, but easily distinguished from them by the two 

 black transverse bars on the wings and white rump, the 

 latter very conspicuous in flight. Bill black. Legs and 

 feet red. Length 12 in. Female, slightly smaller and 

 duller. Young, still duller. 



Language. Identical with the " coo " of the tame 

 Pigeon. 



Habits. Much like the other Doves, but never alights 

 on trees. 



Food. Like the other Doves. 



Nest. March onwards. Two or three broods. 



Site. On the floor or ledge of some gloomy cave. 



Materials. A few sticks and straws. 



Eggs. Two. White and glossy, and rather smaller 

 and stouter than the Ring Dove's. 



