THE STOCK DOVE 



(ColUmba, anas) 



FEW thoroughly British birds are so little known as the 

 Stock Dove. It is common enough in all suitable districts, 

 but owing to the diversity of the haunts it frequents, and its 

 shy and retiring disposition, much confusion has arisen be- 

 tween this species and its congener, the Eock Dove. The 

 Stock Dove frequents rocks, both inland and maritime, as well 

 as woodland districts, but the Eock Dove only lives on the 

 ocean cliffs. The Stock Dove may be readily distinguished 

 from the Eock Dove by its rudimentary wing-bars, and by 

 the absence of the white rump and lower back. Much con- 

 fusion also exists regarding the word " stock," as applied to 

 this species. Some writers have attempted to prove that the 

 word denotes this species as being the original " stock " from 

 which all the domestic races of dovecot Pigeon have de- 

 scended ; but there can be no doubt whatever that the bird 

 acquired its name through nesting in the " stocks " or stumps 

 of pollard trees, and frequenting the " stooks " or stacks of 

 corn and other grain placed in the fields ready for carting. 



The Stock Dove loves the woodland districts best. It 

 may sparingly frequent the more open country even quarries 

 on the moors and downs, rabbit warrens, and the ocean cliffs ; 

 but it is by far the most abundant in the woods and forests, 

 especially where the timber is old and decayed. It is a much 

 commoner bird than is generally supposed ; but most game- 



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