THE MOURNING DOVE. 



IKE all the pigeon family, the mourn- 

 ing dove has a very small head, 

 set on broad shoulders. Any 

 child would recognize it at a 

 glance. As for its song, its 

 name describes it, a sad 

 coo-oo, very low, or quite 

 loud and strong. It is sometimes, a sweet note, 

 with less of the sadness. But it is true that the 

 voice of the mourning dove never " cheers a per- 

 son up," like that of the flicker and the robin. 



The nesting season of this dove is from Feb- 

 ruary to September. The nest itself is a flat 

 structure, with no attempt on the part of the 

 builders to show skill or beauty. Just a few sticks 

 and straws, and it is done. It may be on the 

 ground, or in low bushes, or higher in the trees. 

 And the eggs are only two, 

 of a spotless white. 



Both parent birds feed 

 the young by regurgitating 

 the food they have them- 



REFERENCE TOPICS. 

 Tame pigeons. 

 Game seasons. 

 Object of game laws. 

 Game-preserves. 



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