444 



British Ca^e Birds. 



islands in the Mediterranean. In Great Britain it is most 

 plentiful in Devon, Wales, Northumberland, and Scotland, 

 principally along the rocky coast, in isolated places, and in the 

 vicinity of cultivated lands. The nest is built in a hole, on 

 the ledge of a rock which is sheltered by another abutting 

 or overhanging it, or in a cavern, on some projecting piece 

 of rock that affords the necessary space and requirements. The 

 nest is extremely primitive, and consists of a few slender twigs, 

 a bit of dried grass, or a few herbs or leaves, but very 

 sparse. The hen lays two eggs, quite white, and in all respects 

 similar to those of tame pigeons ; she incubates about 

 seventeen or eighteen days. The male assists in the pro- 

 cess of incubation and feeding the young. Their movements 

 and actions are in all respects the same as those of the 

 common domestic Pigeon. The males coo, strut about in 

 a proud, imperious manner, and make short leaps and 

 gyrations ; they fill their throats, ruffle the feathers on their 

 necks, and affect the same ardent, amorous gestures when 

 wooing their loved ones as the domestic Doves. They con- 

 tinue to feed their offspring for a week or ten days after 

 they leave the nest. 



Methods of Gaptuee. — Shoot one or two, tie them to sticks 

 by their legs, head downwards, and place them in a field 

 adjoining a place which they inhabit ; the heads of the dead 

 birds should almost touch the ground. Then fix your nets on 

 each side, sprinkle a few handfuls of corn about, and ensconce 

 yourself in a hollow, or other place of concealment. The 

 sympathy and attachment of Eock Pigeons is so strong that 

 they will come to examine their companions, and after doing 

 so, if hungry, commence to feed on the scattered corn ; then 

 draw your nets. The early morning or late evening is the 

 best time to select for this operation. Eock Doves are 

 bold, but wary, and the least noise will startle and disturb 

 them. 



Food and Treatment. — The same as recommended for the 

 Eing-dove and the Stock Dove, excepting that the first named 

 variety eat holly berries when other food is scarce. 



Eearing the Young. — Obtain some newly-laid eggs, and 

 place them under house pigeons to hatch and rear. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The female is 

 slightly paler than the male in the hues of her plumage. 



