PIGEONS. 



221 



British Islands, as it is in all the temperate parts 

 of Europe ; it affects well wooded districts, being 

 shy and recluse in its habits. Its mournful cooing 

 is heard in such situations almost incessantly 

 during the spring months, though it is rarely 

 seen, except when, the rushing of its powerful 



WOOD-PIGEON. 



wings directing the attention of the observer to 

 the summit of a lofty tree, he just catches a 

 glimpse of its form as it darts away to some more 

 undisturbed concealment. This shyness of cha- 

 racter is, however, sometimes modified. Sir Wil- 

 liam Jar dine mentions an instance in which one 



