WOOD-PIGEON or RING-DOVE. 
COLUMBA PALUMBUS, Linn. 
Columba palumbus, Linn. S. N. i. p. 282 (1766) ; Naum. 
vi. p. 168; Macg. i. p. 259; Hewitson, i. p. 271; Yarr. 
ed. 4, i. p. 1; Dresser, vii. p. 3. 
Colombe ramier, French; Ringel-Taube, German; Paléma 
torcdz, Spanish. 
This fine Pigeon is so abundant throughout the 
United Kingdom that it is difficult to write anything as 
to its habits that is not generally known. TI am, and 
have been for more than ten years, unable to visit 
London, but it is pleasant to hear that the Wood- Pigeon 
has become common, and now breeds regularly every 
year, in many of the metropolitan parks and other public 
resorts. This has long been the case in Paris and 
many other continental cities, and to lovers of birds it 
is gratifying that the present species has become tame 
from the protection afforded to it by “ Londoners,” and 
seems to be free from the assaults of all enemies, except 
the unnecessary domestic cat, in the busiest haunt of 
men. Except during the nesting-season the Wood- 
Pigeon is by nature one of the most wary of our birds, 
