126 RELATION OF SONG TO THE TERRITORY 



apparently in contact with just those stimulating 

 circumstances which will evoke a response when 

 it returns to its territory, yet it makes no attempt 

 to sing. 



Lapwings, when they resort to the neutral 

 ground, run this way and that in full enjoy- 

 ment of one another's companionship, behav- 

 ing as they do when they flock in autumn 

 and winter. Specific emotional manifestation 

 is, however, absent, and their actions seem to 

 be in nowise affected by the powerful impulse 

 which only a few minutes previously deter- 

 mined their conduct, for of the characteristic 

 flight with its accompanying cry there is no 

 sign. 



Early in the season Turtle Doves often 

 collect from the surrounding country at certain 

 spots where their favourite food is abundant. 

 The croak of this Dove — its true song — is a 

 familiar sound during the summer, but in 

 addition the bird has a sexual note characteristic 

 of the race. I watched a flock of upwards of 

 one hundred on some derelict ground approxi- 

 mately eight acres in extent. Here, in May, 

 the birds were attracted by the seeds of Stellaria 

 media which was growing in profusion. After 

 5 A.M. there was continuous traflic between this 

 piece of ground and the surrounding neighbour- 

 hood, a constant arrival and departure of single 

 individuals or pairs ; and, as they fed, the sexual 

 note could be heard in all directions. Now some 

 of the males occupied territories close at hand, 

 and one could watch their passage to and fro ; 



