WOOD PIGEON. 



37 



RASOBES. COLUMBIDJE. 



PLATE CXLIII. 



WOOD PIGEON. 



Columba PALUMBtJS. (Linn.) 



The Wood Pigeon, being the largest bird of its family, 

 stands first in rank, and is a species generally well known : 

 it is found very generally distributed over Europe and Asia, 

 does not appear higher north than the Arctic Circle, but ex- 

 tends beyond the southern boundaries of Europe, spreading 

 over the northern coast of Africa. In the northern parts of 

 Europe and Asia the Wood Pigeon is a migratory bird, and 

 large flocks of them arrive from thence to this country in the 

 autumn, most of which remain with us until milder weathei 

 induces them to return to their native countries. The chosen 

 locality of the Wood Pigeon is, as its name indicates, a 

 well wooded country, and by preference where fir trees abound, 

 as they are particularly fond of the seed of the fir cones : 

 acorns and beech nuts also form a considerable portion of 

 their food ; and as soon as the corn is cut and carried, the 

 Wood Pigeons may be found in great numbers in the stub- 

 ble fields, as also in ripe clover, pea, and bean fields, where 

 they seek their support. 



It appears to be immaterial to the Wood Pigeon whether 

 the locality is hilly or flat, provided there are lofty trees at 

 hand, and that they are found in large groups, or surrounded 

 by thick underwood. 



