RING-DOVE. RASORES. COLUMBA. 407 



or creeping over the face of rocks, is not unfrequently select- 

 ed for its site. The eggs, two in number, are of an oval 

 form, and white. Both sexes sit alternately upon them, and 

 the young are fed from the macerated contents of the pa- 

 rent's craw. In winter these birds assemble in very numerous 

 flocks, resorting, during open weather, to the stubble-lands ; 

 at which time their flesh is excellent, strongly resembling, 

 and being little inferior to, that of the Grouse (Tetrao Sco- 

 ticus) for the table. 



As severe weather advances, and the ground becomes co- 

 vered with snow, they are obliged to subsist on the tops of 

 turnip, rape, and other cruciform plants of the same family, 

 as well as on holly berries ; which diet soon renders their 

 flesh strong and unpalatable. At this season^they roost to- 

 gether in large woods, preferring those which abound in fir, 

 or lofty ash trees, the stiff branches of which offer both a 

 firm and horizontal perch during the hours of repose. 



The Cushat feeds upon all kinds of grain, and is particu- Food. 

 larly fond of pease and the other leguminous plants. In the 

 south of England, where beech-mast and acorns are abun- 

 dant, these form its principal support during the autumn, 

 and, from the weak texture of its bill, it is compelled to swal- 

 low them whole. 



Many attempts have been made to domesticate this species, 

 but without success*; for, although they may be rendered 

 very tame when in confinement, they will not breed either by 

 themselves, or with the Common Pigeon ; and, upon being 

 set at liberty, immediately betake themselves to their natural 

 haunts, and return no more. 



The species is found throughout the greatest portion of 

 Europe, but more abundantly in the southern parts, where it 

 is sedentary. In the northern regions they are commonly 

 migratory birds. 



* See MONTAGU'S dflfcripUoo of this bird in the lh>i volume <:f the 

 Ornithological Diet ionar y. 



