16 GROUND DOVE. 



These birds seem to be confined to the districts lying south 

 of Virginia. They are plenty on the upper parts of Cape Fear 

 river, and in the interior of Carolina and Georgia; but I have 

 never met with them either in Maryland, Delaware, or Penn- 

 sylvania: They never congregate in such multitudes as the 

 common Wild Pigeon; or even as the Carolina Pigeon or Tur- 

 tle Dove; but, like the Partridge or Quail, frequent the open 

 fields in small coveys. They are easily tamed; have a low ten- 

 der cooing note, accompanied with the usual gesticulations of 

 their tribe. 



The Ground Dove is a bird of passage, retiring to the islands 

 and to the more southerly parts of the continent on the approach 

 of winter, and returning to its former haunts early in April. It 

 is of a more slender and delicate form, and less able to bear the 

 rigours of cold, than either of the other two species common 

 in the United States, both of which are found in the northern 

 regions of Canada, as well as in the genial climate of Florida. 



The DOVE, generally speaking, has long been considered as 

 the favourite emblem of peace and innocence, probably from 

 the respectful manner in which its name is mentioned in vari- 

 ous parts of Scripture; its being selected from among all the 

 birds by Noah to ascertain the state of the deluge, and return- 

 ing to the ark, bearing the olive leaf as a messenger of peace 

 and good tidings; the Holy Ghost, it is also said, was seen to 

 descend like a dove, from heaven, &c. &c. In addition to these, 

 there is in the Dove an appearance of meekness and innocency 

 very interesting, and well calculated to secure our partiality in 

 its favour. These remarks are applicable to the whole genus; 

 but are more particularly so to the species now before us, as 

 being among the least, the most delicate and inoffensive, of the 

 whole. 



The Ground Dove is six inches and a quarter long; bill yel- 

 low, black at the point; nostril covered with a prominent mem- 

 brane, as is usual with the genus; iris of the eye orange red; 

 front, throat, breast and sides of the neck, pale vinaceous pur- 

 ple; the feathers strongly defined by semicircular outlines, those 



