Stock Dove. COLUMBAZ. COLUMBA. 291 
as mere varieties of the same species. Monracu’s descrip- 
tion, in the Ornithological Dictionary, (under the article 
“* Rock-Dove”), refers only to the Columba livia, although 
the Latin synonymes of the other species are attached to it ; 
and it does not appear that the true Columba Atnas ever 
came under his cbservation. 
The present species is indigenous to this country, but li- 
mited to certain districts.—It is common in Hertfordshire, Locality. 
and some of the midland counties, but I have not been able 
to trace it in any of the northern parts of the island, nor 
does it appear to be bred in those counties farther to the south 
or west; although I am inclined to believe, that the vast 
flocks mentioned by Pennant and Monracvu, as frequent- 
ine the beech-woods during the winter, must have been of 
this species ; probably visitants, or in a course of migration 
from some of the northern provinces of Europe. In its ha- 
bits this bird resembles the Ring-Dove, and is a constant in- 
habitant of woods, breeding in the hollows of old and pollard Nest, &c. 
trees. The eggs are white, similar in size and shape to those 
of the Common Pigeon. ‘This species has erroneously been 
considered the original of our tame Pigeons, the succeeding 
one (the Rock-Dove) being, without doubt, the true parent 
stock; many of our varieties still retainmg the distinctive 
marks of that species, in the white rump, and the double 
black band or bar across the closed wings. 
In winter, Stock-Doves assemble in large flocks, which are 
sometimes found associated with the Ring-Dove. 
Like the latter, they feed upon all grain and seeds, and for pooq. 
their winter’s supply, have recourse to the same diet. They 
are very abundant in the southern parts of Europe ; but al- 
ways found to inhabit woods in the interior of each country. 
In Germany, and in some parts of France, they are regular- 
_ly migratory. They occur also in Africa, but do not extend 
to the southward of the Tropic. 
Pirate 56*. Fig. 1. Natural size. 
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