THE STOCK-DOVE. 



Columba oenas, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 53. 



Much smaller than the Wood-Pigeon, and said to take its name from its habits 

 of breeding in the " stocks " of trees, this species, though plentiful in many parts of 

 the British Islands, is not nearly so common as its larger relation just described. 

 Within recent years, however, the Stock-Dove has greatly extended its breeding 

 range, and now nests as far north in Scotland as Sutherlandshire. It is widely 

 distributed over Europe and Western Asia to Turkestan. 



Besides occupying hollow trees as breeding places, the Stock-Dove makes its 

 nest in rabbit-burrows or under the shelter of thick furze-bushes, and often in cliffs. 

 When breeding in tree-holes it appears usually to lay its eggs on the bare wood, 

 but otherwise a slight nest of twigs and rootlets is built. The two eggs are of a 

 delicate creamy-white colour. 



The voice of the Stock-Dove differs from that of the Wood-Pigeon, consisting 

 of a rapid succession of less distinct and agreeable notes. 



In their habits the two species have much in common. According to Lord 

 Lilford {Birds of Northamptonshire and Neighbourhood), the Stock-Dove appears 

 to be more addicted to green food than its congener, but it is also very fond of 

 beech-mast. It is quicker in its motions, turning and twisting in the air with 

 great rapidity. 



It is at all times a rather shy and wary bird, and is not easily approached, 

 especially when feeding in the open. 



63 



