THE STOCK DOVE. 461 



the back, rump, and larger wing coverts light grey. The 

 pen feathers blackish, some having also a border of light? 

 grey. The centre pen feathers are tipped with black, and the 

 larger wing coverts are spotted with black on the middle of 

 the outer plume, which produces two large black spots on 

 the wings. The half of the tail nearest the root is a beau- 

 tiful grey ; but becomes gradually darker, so that the tip is 

 quite black. 



In the female, the green colour on the neck and the purple 

 of the breast are not so distinct : and the general hue of the 

 plumage is more of a dingy bluish grey than in the male. 



Were it not for our accurate knowledge of the Wild Pigeon 

 ( Columba domesticaferaj, one might suppose the Stock Dove 

 to be the original parent of the numerous varieties of Tame 

 Pigeons : as it bears a considerable resemblance to them in 

 colour and size ; chooses similar situations for its nest ; often 

 accompanies them to the dovecot, where it remains with them 

 throughout the winter : and pairs with them either in the 

 farm yard or aviary. 



Habitat. The Stock Dove frequents mountainous districts, 

 if well covered with trees, and seems to prefer the bases 

 rather than the summits of a mountain chain, as being less 

 remote from the open country where it seeks its food. It 

 is generally found in woods, in which coniferous are mixed 

 with other trees. It is a sociable bird, departing in large 

 flocks about October, and returning in the beginning of 

 March, or, if the season be mild, as early as the end of 

 February. 



In country places the Stock Dove is often made an inmate 

 of the house : and if taken young, or reared from eggs which 

 have been hatched by the domestic Pigeon, may be kept in 

 the dovecot. In winter, however, it requires considerable 

 warmth. 



Food. The food of the Stock Dove, like that of the domestic 

 Pigeon, consists of various kinds of grain, as well as peas, 

 lentils, vetches, linseed, pine and fir seeds, &c. It is especially 

 fond of hemp seed. It rarely lives more than five or six years 

 in confinement. 



Breeding. The Stock Dove builds its nest in hollow trees, or 

 crevices of rocks, and produces two broods in a year. The 

 eggs are white, and are hatched without difficulty by the 



