PASSERES COLUMBIOE ECTOPISTES. 197 



The Wild Pigeon, as it is universally called in this country, breeds in this State, where it 

 is found at all seasons of the year. In certain years they make their appearance in almost 

 incredible numbers, literally darkening the air, and breaking down trees with their weight. 

 Their appearance and disappearance is at very irregular and uncertain intervals, and although 

 in a great measure connected with a search for food, does not always seem to depend upon 

 that cause. Thus in February, 1742,* when the Hudson was frozen solid at New-York, and 

 the snow a foot deep, flocks of these birds appeared in greater numbers than were ever before 

 known. Large flocks were also observed about Albany, and in the northern parts of the 

 State, during the winter of 1819. Mr. Clark of Albany succeeded in raising the Wild 

 Pigeon in confinement; and from his successful experiments, we learn that it lays two eggs, 

 and sets fifteen days. In eight days after being hatched, they are completely feathered, and 

 fly from the nests. They have three or four broods between May and September. The 

 same success has attended the experiments of Lord Stanley in England, upon a number 

 sent out to him from this country. It is very desirable to domesticate this very prolific 

 species, although its extremely erratic disposition will probably render this difficult. Its food 

 consists of beech-nuts, acorns, berries, rice, seeds, etc. It ranges throughout North America, 

 from 25° to 62° north latitude. 



THE CAROLINA TURTLE DOVE. 



ECTOPISTES CAROLINENSIS. 

 PLATE LXX1V. FIG. 166. 



(STATE COLLECTION.) 



Columba carolinensis. Linnjeus, Syst. Nat. p. 286. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 326, pi. 14. Wilson, 

 Am. Oro. Vol. 5, p. 91, pi. 43, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 

 119. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 626. Audobon, fol. pi. 17. 

 F.ctopisles id. Swains. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164, Peabody, Mass. Eep. p. 350. Aoddbon, B. of Am. 

 Vol. 5, p. 36, pi. 286. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 186. 



Characteristics. Forehead and breast light reddish : a black spot under each ear,. Tail of 

 fourteen feathers ; four of the lateral ones black near the extremities, 

 white at the tip. Length, 12 inches. 



Description. Bill with a tumid fleshy covering. Nostrils medial, elongated. Upper 

 mandible feeby declinate at the tip. Tail with the two middle feathers extending three 

 inches beyond the tips of the wings. 



Color. Iris hazel. Crown and upper part of the head bright greenish blue ; sides of the 

 neck with green and golden metallic reflexions. Above brownish drab. Wing-coverts sparsely 



* See " Remarks on the Columba migratoria, or Passenger Pigeon ;" in a letter to John W. Francis, M. D., from Dewitt 

 Clinton, Esq. (Medical and Philosophical lie gister, New-York, Vol, 2, p. 210.) 



