From the work in Ariaona it appears that in favorable localities 

 this dove may be double-brooded, but that elsewhere it has only one 

 brood. Because of its flocking habits, the species is extremely vul- 

 nerable and, quoting from Neff*s latest report: "Shooting is considered 

 to be the major cause of early August migration or movement, rather 

 than storms." This opinion was further confirmed by his observations 

 in one or two localities favorable to the birds, where no shooting oc- 

 curred until August 22 (the 1939 season opened August 1). At these 

 points the population steadily increased from about 200 to more than 

 2,000 birds. He also stated that, in his opinion, a young white-winged 

 dove that has not been out of its nest for at least 4 or 5 weeks does 

 hot afford a sporting target. It is interesting to note the following 

 comment in a report from a game-management agent of the Biological Sur- 

 vey who was operating in the vicinity of Yuma, Ariz., when the 1939 

 season opened: w 0n the opening day I checked 23 hunters with a total 

 of 197 white-winged doves, of whioh 157 were young birds and 40 were 

 mature." 



Although the territory frequented by these birds is normally more 

 or less desertlike, its aridity has been accentuated in recent years by 

 severe drought* The situation in 1939 was most unsatisfactory, with 

 the natural wild foods of the whitewing nearly a complete failure over 

 much of the bird*s range and f raiting or seeding only in favored and 

 isolated localities* Aooording to Neff, "In some areas the oak trees 

 were completely defoliated excepting on the canyon floors. Even the 

 mesquite bean crop was sparse and erratic. Cattle and deer died for 

 lack of food and water in some localities." He concludes that in 1939 

 "the whitewing in Arizona was in a serious condition, with greatly de- 

 preciated population, with the success of its 1939 nesting season gen- 

 erally in doubt, and with shooting continuing to be heavy on every small 

 flight within reach." 



Conclusions are not yet possible regarding the status of the east- 

 ern white-winged dove in southern Texas, but a recent report from Saunders 

 indicates that the actual production of young by a pair of adults is dis- 

 appointingly small* It appears that this species is unusually susoeptible 

 to nest raiding by several natural enemies that, if general throughout 

 the breeding range, can effectively reduce the crop for sporting purposes. 

 In the light of our present knowledge it is obvious that the future of 

 the white-cringed dove, as a game bird with an open season, may be con- 

 sidered doubtful. 



Band- tailed Pigeon 



It is only on the Pacific coast that the band-tailed pigeon is 

 found in sufficient numbers to be important as game. It is, however, 

 locally plentiful in the southern Rocky Mountain region. The species 

 breeds north into British Columbia and in that Province there is some 

 evidence that it is decreasing. On the other hand, reports show that 

 bandtails are at least holding their own, or are even increasing in Ore- 

 gon and California, and similar reports have been received from Arizona 

 and New Mexioo. 



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