130 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



Ireland, where it finds suitable breeding-places in the 

 rugged cliffs facing the Atlantic. See Plate 23, Fig. 

 135. 



Though partial to grain, the Rock Dove feeds 

 largely on the roots and seeds of various troublesome 

 weeds. This and other Pigeons will occasionally, like 

 Gulls, quench their thirst while floating on the water, 

 always in going downstream. In drinking, they do 

 not raise the head, but keep the bill immersed. 



The Pouter Pigeon represents one of the most pe- 

 culiar of all the products of the breeder. By long and 

 careful selection this bird has acquired an enormous 

 crop, which, when the bird is excited, becomes greatly 

 inflated. The long feathers of the legs have also been 

 developed by care in selecting those birds which had 

 legs most inclined to produce feathers. See Plate 23, 

 Fig. 134. 



But the races of domesticated Pigeons are legion. 

 Some of the most striking varieties are the Pouter, 

 Fantail, Homing, Tumbler, Owl and Carrier, but in 

 grace and beauty none compare with the wild species. 



The smallest species found in this coimtry is the 

 Ground Dove, sometimes also called Mourning Dove, 

 found in many of the Southern States, usually near 

 the coast. Scarcely more than six inches in length, 

 this beautiful little bird is a rosy fawn colour, deli- 

 cately spotted with different shades of purple, and is 

 almost invisible on the ground as it walks jauntily 

 along, industriously feeding upon seeds and small 

 fruits. 



The Mourning Dove, or Carolina Dove, has a wide 

 range throughout North America. The name is de- 



