132 LAND BIRDS 



partments for the purpose, like domestic pigeons. The 

 eggs are glistering white, equally round at both ends and 

 very beautiful to look at. The birds themselves are 

 remarkably handsome, and seen coming like rockets 

 through the air down the side of the mountain, are 

 startling to the ear as well as to the eye. The noise is 

 produced by the rapid vibration of the wings, and re- 

 sembles the roar of escaping steam. In flying upward 

 or on a level, the sound is less loud but quite as char- 

 acteristic, and, when a large flock are startled into flight, 

 the vibratory effect is not unlike that of a small cyclone. 



316. MOURNING DOVE. — Zenaidura macroura 

 carolincnsis. 



Family : The Pigeons, or Doves. 



Length: 11.00-13.00. 



Adult Male: Upper parts soft brownish ;"head and neck iridescent gray- 

 ish pink ; a black spot on sides of the head ; sides of neck, chest, 

 and breast changeable metallic purple-pink, changing to buff on the 

 belly. 



Adult Female: Similar to male, but paler, and metallic gloss less 

 distinct. 



Young : Duller than female, and without black spot on the head. 



Geographical Distribution: Temperate North America, north to Canada, 

 south to Panama. 



Breeding Range: Breeds throughout its habitat. 



Breeding Season : March to October. 



Nest : A platform of sticks, in a bush or tree. 



Eggs: 2; white. Size 1.12 X 0.82. 



For a land bird, the Mourning Dove is strikingly fond 

 of the water and usually tries to build within sight of it. 

 At intervals all day, the parent birds fly back and forth 

 between it and their nest, if brooding, and I have reason 

 to believe that the male brings the female water as well 



