164 



STOCK DOVE. 



Columba cenas, PENNANT. SELBY. 



Columba A Dove. Oinos Wine ; from the vinous colour of its 



breast. 



THE Stock Dove is found in Europe in Germany and 

 France, Spain and Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In 

 North Africa, and also in Madeira; as likewise in Asia 

 namely in Persia; and in Africa in Egypt, and in the islands 

 of the Mediterranean. 



In Yorkshire, a few have been met with in the neighbour- 

 hood of York, and a few are also noticed in the vicinity of 

 Sheffield. In Norfolk it is common, but local; also in 

 Hertfordshire and Essex. The same is the case in other 

 southern and midland counties. 



It frequents woods, coppices, and groves, and these both 

 in low and more hilly countries, suiting itself alike among 

 oaks and fruit trees, beeches and firs, or any others that 

 present facilities for building purposes. 



It remains in some parts of the country throughout the 

 year, but is migratory in others, leaving its summer haunts 

 towards the end of October. 



The Stock Dove becomes easily tame in confinement, and 

 will even return to its cage after being loosed from it. 



They roost in trees, and consort with the Ring Dove in 

 winter, at which time they also assemble in large flocks. 

 They are restless in their habits. While the hen is sitting, 

 her "partner frequently comes to look after her. Like others 

 of the genus they are much attached to each other, and 

 though several pairs build in the same neighbourhood, are 

 never seen to quarrel. They are cleanly and neat in all their 

 habits. The young birds are much esteemed as an article of 

 food. 





