44 COLUMBID.E. 



say, the only haunts of the Stock Dove. In open districts 

 it is never seen except during the period of its migrations. 

 Flat or hilly countries, provided there are abundance of 

 trees, are equally found to be inhabited ; but rocky and barren 

 mountains these birds seem to avoid at all times. The 

 localities generally chosen are the outskirts of woods, 

 where cultivated fields and meadows abound, and where 

 trees of all kinds are intermixed, such as oaks, beech, wild 

 fruit trees ; or where there are pine or fir plantations on 

 hilly ground, where the underwood does not grow. In the 

 choice made by the Stock Doves of a locality suitable for a 

 permanent residence during their stay with us, it is essentially 

 necessary that some trees should have holes in them ; and so 

 requisite does this appear to be, that these birds will prefer 

 an orchard close to human habitations, to any more retired 

 spot where those advantages are wanting. Old decayed 

 apple or pear trees, with stout dead upper branches, are 

 frequently ornamented or tenanted by the Stock Dove, 

 who seemingly delight in perching upon them ; but, owing 

 to the formation of the feet of all our pigeons, they are unable 

 to grasp slender boughs. When the Stock Dove perches 

 on the branch of a tree, it is only for the purpose of resting 

 or of avoiding an enemy, as its food is obtained on the 

 ground. 



The Stock Dove is a very active bird, not so hurried in its 

 movements as the wood pigeon, but far more nimble. When 

 perched, it carries its body in a more upright position. On 

 the ground it is more alert, and runs with the same stateli- 

 ness on a large branch as on the ground, and generally nods 

 its head at every step. This bird is very cleanly, and 

 careful of its plumage ; and it forms a very pretty object 

 when seen at sunrise, perched on a top branch pluming 

 itself; and when thus engaged, it may be fancied from time to 

 time to be surveying the surrounding country, without changing 



