WOOD PIGEON. 39 



Early in the spring, the male bird may be heard at sun- 

 rise, sitting perched on some favourite branch, generally be- 

 side its mate, when both having plumed themselves, they 

 shortly afterwards commence their flight to a distance in 

 search of food ; several pairs that have roosted together in 

 the same wood, and frequently in the same large tree, being 

 seen to follow each other at short distances, and flying in- 

 such a manner as to make it appear as if they required a 

 greater space to extend their wings than other birds. 



If the habits of the Wood Pigeon are accurately ob- 

 served, it will be seen that it leads a very regular life, and 

 that it divides the day after the following manner. From 

 six till nine in the morning, the time is occupied in 

 searching for food. About ten o'clock the whole party returns 

 home, and may be heard calling their hoo hoo, coo, coo 

 hoo. At eleven the calling ceases, and the party is again 

 off in search of drink, and probably also to bathe, as we know 

 them particularly to delight in the latter exercise. From 

 twelve to two is again set apart for a season of resting, after 

 which they go to feed until five ; then return to their 

 wood, where they repeat their concert until seven, when, after 

 having taken some more water, they retire to roost. 



We believe, that unless these birds are disturbed in their 

 usual resting-places, or are driven to greater distances than 

 usual in search of food, our account will be found to be very 

 nearly correct, and, as such, may be useful in affording a hint 

 to the sportsman, where and when he may obtain a better 

 chance of getting a shot at a Wood Pigeon, than by watching 

 for him for hours under a hedge or tree. The flesh of the 

 Wood Pigeon is as well flavoured as that of any bird that is 

 brought to table, and there is generally good picking on one 

 that is in good condition. The food of the Wood Pigeon con- 

 sists, as already stated, of the seeds of the fir, acorns, beech 



