WILD PIGEONS AND DOVES 113 



Mexico and South America cannot endure cold, except those 

 fronj^Argentina and farther south, which are as immune as 

 those of the north. Practically all of the African species 

 require heat, as do most of the Asiatic ones, but those from 

 mountainous regions are less sensitive. 



The best food for doves is small grains, such as wheat, 

 barley, kaffir corn, millet and canary. Hemp and flax are 

 eaten greedily, but because of their heating and fattening 

 qualities should be given'only occasionally as a treat. Small, 

 sharp grit is essential and green food must be furnished 

 frequently. Doves like to bathe, and it is therefore best 

 to furnish their drinking water in a small fountain, pro- 

 viding for frequent baths in a larger, open vessel. All are 

 fond of salt, and a piece of rock salt should be placed in the 

 aviary. 



All of the doves are strictly monogamous. The nests of 

 most species arfe flimsy affairs, built of a few small twigs 

 laid loosely together. Generally they will take advantage 

 of small, open boxes if placed in secluded spots in the aviary. 

 It is best, if possible, to place a shelter-board over the box, 

 but some birds will not enter a nest with covered top. 



Doves and pigeons usually lay two eggs, the larger species 

 sometimes but one. Cock and hen alternate in incubation, 

 which lasts in most cases two weeks or a little longer. The 

 young are fed entirely by the parents, with well-digested 

 food at first, later with freshly eaten grain. The squabs 

 are remarkably precocious, and are out of the nest and about 

 before young domestic pigeons are properly feathered. 

 Tame Barbary Turtle Doves are invaluable as foster-parents 

 for rarer species, and even domestic pigeons may be utilized. 



The native species are of the greatest interest to American 

 aviculturists. It should be borne in mind, however, that in 

 most states the keeping of these birds in captivity is pro- 

 hibited by law. The facts must be ascertained and abided by. 



