THE TURTLE DOVE. 46* 



The young Turtle Doves are grey on the upper part of the 

 body, and are spotted with hlackish blue on the wings. The 

 Mules between the Turtle and the Collared Turtle are variously 

 marked, according to the degree in which they partake of the 

 characteristics of each parent. They are generally reddish 

 grey on the head, neck, and breast ; and of similar colour on 

 the back and wing coverts, which are, however, covered with 

 indistinct dark spots. The belly, the hindmost pen feathers, 

 and the tip of the tail feathers are white ; the larger pen 

 feathers a greyish brown. These Mules are fruitful; and a 

 peculiarity, which I have also noticed in Mules between other 

 species, is that they are larger than their parents, and have a 

 peculiar cry. Their cooing is louder, though not so pleasant ; 

 and, while uttering it, they make a deep inclination of the 

 body, like the Collared Turtle. 



Mode of Taking. The Turtle Dove may be caught in the 

 same manner as the foregoing species. 



Attractive Qualities. This is a favourite Cage-bird in coun- 

 try places, not only on account of its tameness, beauty, and 

 affectionate disposition, but because it is supposed to attract tc 

 itself the diseases of its owner. It is certainly true that \\ 

 sickness prevail in the house, the Doves appear to suffer with 

 the rest. The cooing of the male, also, is very peculiar, con- 

 sisting of a deep humming tone ; after uttering which it drop? 

 its head, and remains quiet. It often lives eight or nine years 

 in confinement. 



ADDITIONAL. The Turtle, or Ring-necked Turtle, as it is 

 sometimes called, is with us a summer visitant only, and confines 

 itself pretty much to the southern and south-eastern counties. 

 MACGILLIVBAY is not aware that it has ever occurred in Scotland. 

 MONTAGUE states that it is found, though rarely, as far west as 

 Devonshire ; and, according to BEWICK and SELBY, some indi- 

 viduals have been seen in JN orthumberland in autumn. It is in 

 the woods of Kent from whence they sally forth to commit their 

 depredations upon the neighbouring pea-fields, that these beau- 

 tiful birds may be most frequently seen. They usually fly in 

 small flocks, and nestle on the thickest trees, emitting a peculiarly 

 plaintive cry. By the end of September they are generally all 

 away to a warmer climate ; their shallow nests are deserted, and 

 their soft Coo-o-o-o is heard no more in the autumnal woodlands. 

 " Doves," says GILBEET WHITE, " coo in an amorous and mourn- 

 ful manner, and are emblems of despairing lovers." And of all 



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