116 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



i 



found in companies or colonies, in some cavern or similar 

 retreat, where they live upon amicable terms one with 

 another. Dry sticks and twigs with bents of hay or stalks 

 are roughly laid together, and two eggs laid thereon ; they 

 are smooth and white. The male is very assiduous to his 

 mate during sitting-time, and remains close to the nest at 

 night. When first hatched the young birds are covered 

 with a soft yellow down. The Rock Dove seldom perches 

 upon trees, but rests at times on some elevated and isolated 

 spot whence a clear survey can be obtained of the immediate 

 neighbourhood. It is generally considered that these birds 

 .pair for life; at any rate, they are extremely attached to 

 their partners, and their grief and distress when separated 

 is so marked as to have become proverbial. 



If taken when young they soon become tame and 

 familiar, and attain a considerable age. 



