the Rio Grande Valley are practically at sea level. Subsequent investi- 
gations in the lowlands may result in the discovery of large colonies in 
the dense woodlands of the deltas of the San Fernando, Soto la Marina, 
Cachimbas and other rivers between the Rio Grande and Tampico. Also it 
is possible that there are many thousands of whitewings nesting in the 
ebony woodlands of the interior of Tamaulipas. If so, they are, however, 
so widely and sparsely distributed over the immense territory that no 
nesting concentrations have yet been located. 
Band-tailed Pigeon 
The band-tailed pigeon is found only in the West, chiefly near the 
Pacific coast. It is nearly or quite as large as the common pigeon of the 
barnyard, and at tines is destructive to farm crops such as prunes, 
cherries, nuts, etc. 
Unfortunately, and possibly because of the fact that the bird is 
occasionally guilty of depredations, sportsmanship seems to be wanting in 
some sections when an open season is allowed. Reports have been received 
to the effect that shooting pigeons becomes an obsession with some hunters 
who go out day after day and frequently kill birds they make no attempt 
to retrieve. It also appears that there is a constantly increasing number 
of pigeon hunters and it may, therefore, be pointed out that serious 
injury to the species may be cone before protective adjustments can be made. 
Sportsmen interested in this bird shoulc be mocerate in their pursuit of 
the bandtails to avoid the necessity of regulatory action. 
CONCLUSION 
Investigations on the status of migratory waterfowl indicate a condi- 
tion that may be considered satisfactory although the recorded increase is 
the smallest since inauguration of the restoration program. This is be- 
lieved due to the 1940 liberalization of shooting regulations and the con- 
stantly increasing number of hunters. 
The status of the woodcock, while showing some local improvement, 
continues to be unsatisfactory. 
Wilson's snipe has been decreasing steadily for many years. 
While coots continue to be too abundant for their own good or for that 
of associated waterfowl, rails have suffered not only from shooting but 
also fron acverse climatic conditions. 
The mourning dove is probably at its lowest point in history, particu- 
larly in the region east of the liississippi River. The numerical reduction 
is due not only to heavy overshooting but also to severe winter losses 
caused by unusual storms. 
The western race of the white-vwinged dove also is at a record low and 
a great reduction has been noted in the status of the eastern subspecies. 
27 
