318 WHITE-HEADED DOVE. 



only a few feet from the ground, on the upper branches of a mangrove, or 

 quite low, almost touching the water, and hanging over it. In general the 

 nest resembles that of the Columba migratoria, but it is more compact, and 

 better lined. The outer part is composed of small dry twigs, the inner of 

 fibrous roots and grasses. The eggs are two, opaque, white, rather roundish, 

 and as large as those of the domestic Pigeon. From the appearance of the 

 eggs in the ovaria of females having young at the time, I would infer that 

 this species has several broods during each season; and perhaps they may 

 breed in Cuba, after their return from the Florida Keys. None of these 

 birds are found on the mainland, although it is at no great distance. 



A rather extraordinary fact relating to the habits of this species, is that 

 many of these birds, which breed in Cuba, or some of the Bahama Islands, 

 come to the Florida Keys for the purpose of procuring food for their young, 

 to which they return several times daily. This is particularly observed at 

 the time when the sea grape is fully ripe, or during the month of June. 

 The numbers of these Pigeons that resort to the Keys, attract several species 

 of Hawks during the breeding season, amongst which the Peregrine and the 

 Red-shouldered are conspicuous. On none of the Keys unvisited by this 

 species, did I see a Hawk of any kind. 



The White-headed Pigeon exhibits little of the pomposity of the common 

 domestic species, in its amorous moments. The male, however, struts before 

 the female with elegance, and the tones of his voice are quite sufficient to 

 persuade her of the sincerity of his attachment. During calm and clear 

 mornings, when nature appears in all her purity and brightness, the cooing 

 of this Pigeon may be heard at a considerable distance, mingling in full 

 concord with the softer tones of the Zenaida Dove. The bird standing 

 almost erect, full-plumed, and proud of his beauty, emits at first a loud 

 croohoo, as a prelude, and then proceeds to repeat his coo-coo-coo. These 

 sounds are continued during the period of incubation, and are at all times 

 welcome to the ear of the visiter of these remarkable islands. When 

 approached suddenly, it emits a hollow, guttural sound, precisely resembling 

 that of the Common Pigeon on such occasions. 



The young birds are at first almost black, but have tufts of a soft buff- 

 coloured down distributed mostly over the head and shoulders. While yet 

 squabs they have no appearance of white on the head, and they take about 

 four months before they acquire their perfect plumage. Smaller size, and a 

 less degree of brilliancy, distinguish the female from the male. About the 

 beginning of October they abound on the Keys, and return to the West 

 India Islands. 



I have only to add the following particulars to what I have already 

 detailed of the history of this species. W T hile standing perched in a nearly 



