AN UNFORTUNATE MOURNING DOVE 89 



had become more cautious and timid ♦ The sudden 

 flutter and curving rise showed that a familiar view 

 would not be tolerated* This strange mother seemed 

 more anxious about her own safety than the protection 

 of her expected nestlings. On the third morning, with 

 still greater stealth, the sheltered stump was ap- 

 proached, but peering, halting, and advancing revealed 

 the discouraging truth that the eggs were gone. A 

 Dove, probably the bereaved mother, flew past and 

 beyond the adjacent woods, showing no inclination 

 to return to the scene of her domestic tragedy. As 

 there was no collector in the neighbourhood, the 

 marauder was probably a Squirrel, although the Jays 

 and Crows were not free from suspicion. The 

 Mourning Dove, whose soft, cooing tones always 

 attract attention, is sometimes mistaken for the 

 doubtless extinct Wild Pigeon. Its long pointed tail, 

 showing white when expanded, is a conspicuous mark. 

 Its slaty brown and buff are relieved by the neck 

 adornment of iridescent green, and there is a dark 

 spot below either ear. This careless nesting habit 

 makes it a prey to many enemies, but is not so 

 jeopardising as the gregarious domestic life that made 

 the Wild Pigeon an easy victim of the most relentless 

 devourer. 



