82 THE PIGEON. 



THE TURTLE DOVE. 



How large a bird is the Turtle Dove ? 



The Turtle Dove is one foot long, and with the 

 wings spread a foot and a half in extent. 



W hat is the shape of this bird ? 



In shape, it very much resembles the passenger pi- 

 geon, but is considerably smaller. 



What is the colour of the Turtle Dove ? 



In colour it also resembles the passenger pigeon, but 

 all the tints are paler, and its eyes are black, instead 

 of being red, like those of that pigeon. Besides the 

 difference in size, its appearance is, therefore, consid- 

 erably different from that of the pigeon. 



Where is this bird found ? 



The Turtle Dove is found, more or less frequently, 

 in all parts of the United States ; but these birds nev- 

 er congregate in great flocks like the pigeons. Some 

 times they are seen in small flocks, but much more 

 commonly appear singly, or in couples. 



This bird is known in the southern states under the 

 name of Carolina pigeon, and in New England, it has 

 the name of Mourning Dove, on account of the dole- 

 ful sounds which it utters. 



" This," says Mr. Wilson, " is a favorite bird with 

 those who love to wander among the woods in the 

 spring, and listen to their varied harmony. They will 

 there hear many a singular, and sprightly performer, 

 but none so mournful as this. The hopeless woe of 

 settled sorrow, swelling the heart of female innocence 

 itself, could not assume tones more sad, or more ten- 

 der and affecting." " Its notes are four ; the first is 

 somewhat the highest, and preparatory, seeming to be 



