GROUND DOVE 31 



its habit was so well known that old mountaineers 

 followed it when in search of water. In the east, 

 however, when sure of protection the Dove will 

 make its home in our gardens. 



In southern California one gentle brooding bird 

 let me come close under her loose twig nest to 

 talk to her, though her mate was troubled at first, 

 for he is a watchful and devoted guardian. Major 

 Bendire thinks the pairs remain mated through 

 the year, as they are seen together summer and 

 winter. Indeed, the name ' Turtle Dove ' which 

 has become synonymous with tenderness and affec- 

 tion is more appropriate than the name Mourning 

 Dove, for with long familiarity the low cooing, 

 which at first seems mournful, sounds more tender 

 and soothing than sad. At times the bird seems 

 almost to speak its own Latin name, ma-crou-ra; 

 but at all events its sweet musical call bespeaks 

 the gentle nature of the Dove. 



Ground Dove : ColumUgallina passerina terrestris. 



Adult male, forehead and under parts pinkish ; top of head 

 gray ; back brownish ; wings showing reddish brown in 

 flight ; tail blackish. Adult female, similar, but forehead and 

 under parts almost without pink. Length, 6| inches. 



GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION. South Atlantic and Gulf states; 

 north to North Carolina ; west to Texas ; more common near 

 the coast than inland. 



In the south, this little Dove makes a pretty 

 picture of trustfulness as it walks down the 

 streets of the towns. But the tourists, who should 



