STOCK-DOVE. RASORES. COLUMBA. 409 



limited to certain districts. It is common in Hertfordshire, 

 and some of the midland counties, but I have not been able 

 to trace it into any of the northern parts of the island, nor 

 does it appear to be bred in those counties farther to the 

 south or west ; although I am inclined to believe, that the 

 vast flocks mentioned by PENNANT and MONTAGU, as fre- 

 quenting the beech- woods during the winter, must have been 

 of this species ; probably visitants, or in a course of migra- 

 tion from some of the northern provinces of Europe. In its 

 habits this bird resembles the Ring-Dove, and is a constant 

 inhabitant of woods, breeding in the hollows of old and pol- Nest, &c. 

 lard trees. The eggs are white, similar in size and shape to 

 those of the Common Pigeon. This species has erroneously 

 been considered the original of our tame pigeons, the suc- 

 ceeding one (the Rock-Dove) being, without doubt, the true 

 parent stock ; many of our varieties still retaining the dis- 

 tinctive marks of that species, in the white rump, and the 

 double black band or bar across the closed wings. 



In winter, Stock- Doves assemble in large flocks, which are 

 sometimes found associated with the Ring-Dove. 



Like the latter, they feed upon all grain and seeds, and Food. 

 for their winter's supply have recourse to the same diet. 

 They are very abundant in the southern parts of Europe ; 

 but always found to inhabit woods in the interior of each 

 country. In Germany, and in some parts of France, they 

 are regularly migratory. They occur also in Africa, but do 

 not extend to the southward of the Tropic. 



PLATE 56.* Fig. 1 . Natural size. 



Head and throat deep bluish-grey. Sides of the neck General 

 glossed with different shades of green and purple ; the tion. np ~ 

 feathers shorter, more distinct, and stifFer than those of 

 the Rock- Dove. Lower parts of the neck and breast 

 pale lavender-purple. Belly, thighs, and under tail- 

 coverts bluish-grey, with a slight purplish tinge. Back 

 deep bluish-grey. Wing-coverts paler, and some of the 



