THE ROCK DOVE 143 



the spring and early summer, but as autumn draws on it 

 becomes much more silent, and it is rarely if ever heard in 

 winter. 



The Eock Dove is an early breeder, commencing operations 

 long before the winds of March are hushed, but the nesting 

 season is not at its height until April and May. Like other 

 birds of the Pigeon tribe, it rears several broods in the season, 

 and fresh eggs may be obtained as late as September. Wher- 

 ever it can obtain a cave for its purpose it always prefers one ; 

 but in districts where caves are wanting it is content to build 

 its nest in the crevices and crannies of the rocks. Sometimes 

 the cave is accessible at low water without the aid of a boat ; 

 but in most cases the sea is ever dashing into its gloomy 

 recesses with a dull booming roar, sending the spray in 

 showers far up the walls. Amongst this constant turmoil of 

 water the Eock Doves rear their young, making their slight 

 nests on the ledges and amongst the fissures in the roof and 

 sides of the cavern. The nests are slight structures, made of 

 a few dead twigs, a little dry grass, and perhaps a scrap or 

 two of seaweed. They are very flat, and of course long before 

 the young have left them are caked and matted together with 

 the excrements of the birds. In many cases several nests are 

 built quite close together, and generally, if the colony be a 

 large one, fresh eggs, eggs in every period of development, 

 and young birds in all stages of growth, may be obtained at 

 the same time. The eggs are two in number, somewhat 

 elongated, and pure white in colour. Both parents take it in 

 turns to hatch them, and the sitting-bird is regularly fed by 

 its mate. The young birds do not quit the nest until well 

 able to fly, and are then soon deserted by their parents. 



Except in the very severest weather, the Eock Dove 

 may generally be found in its usual haunts near the sea ; but 

 in winter it sometimes wanders southwards, or frequents the 

 weedy pastures and stubbles near the coast. It is generally 



