2!M; LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



by u jerking motion of the tail, and also by a nodding- of the 

 head, which remind us of the characteristic movements of 

 the inmates of the dove-cot. 



Their movements are undoubtedly regulated by food-con- 

 siderations. When there is a paucitv of food-stuffs, their 

 sojourn is proportionately restricted ; but, on the contrary, 

 when there is a plentiful supply, indefinitely prolonged. 

 In certain localities, where a superabundance of diet exists. 

 they remain throughout the entire year. We have often been 

 surprised, while observing a flock of these birds at an im- 

 mense height which apparently manifested no disposition 

 to halt from their steady course judging from their actions, 

 to notice, in almost the same instant, a downward tendency, 

 and a subsequent settlement. The immense height of their 

 flight, combined with their powerful vision, certainly en- 

 ables them to survey large scopes of country, hundreds of 

 acres in extent. As asserted by Audubon, in passing over 

 fertile and rich food-laden regions, their flight is low so as 

 the better to explore ; but, on the other hand, in passing over 

 sterile lands, they fly high, and with a bold extended front. 



The enormous flights of these Pigeons, and their immense 

 numbers, seem almost incredible to those who have not 

 been eye-witnesses thereof. In the spring of 1872, they 

 abounded in such vast numbers in the woods surrounding 

 Albany, that hundreds were killed to supply the markets of 

 Xe\v York and Boston. Both Wilson and Audubon have 

 given very complete and graphic descriptions of their mi- 

 grations. In 1*13, Audubon observed innumerable flocks 

 of these birds, while crossing the barriers in the vicinity of 

 Hardensburg en route from Henderson to Louisville. In 

 twentv-one minutes, he counted one hundred and sixty three, 

 but afterwards deemed the task impracticable. The air 

 seemed full of Pigeons, which well nigh eclipsed the light of 

 the noonday sun. During his entire journey of fifty-five miles, 

 they passed in unlessened numbers, and continued to do so dur- 

 ing the three succeeding days. Their flight, betimes, was so 



