264 
GROUND DOVE. 
woods, preferring open fields and plantations ; are almost constantly on 
the ground, and when disturbed fly to a short distance and again alight. 
They have a frequent jetting motion with the tail ; feed on rice, various 
seeds and berries, particularly those of the Tooth-ache tree,* under or 
near which, in the proper season, they are almost sure to be found. 
Of their nest or manner of breeding I am unable, at present, to give 
any account. 
These birds seem to be confined to the districts lying south of Vir- 
ginia. They are plenty on the upper parts of Cape Fear river, and in 
the interior of Carolina and Georgia ; but I have never met with them 
either in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania. They never congregate 
in such multitudes as the common Wild Pigeon ; or even as the Carolina 
Pigeon or Turtle Dove ; but, like the Partridge or Quail, frequent the 
open fields in small coveys. They are easily tamed ; have a low 
tender cooing note, accompanied with the usual gesticulations of their 
tribe. 
The Ground Dove is a bird of passage, retiring to the islands and to 
the more southerly parts of the continent on the approach of winter, 
and returning to its former haunts early in April. It is of a more 
slender and delicate form, and less able to bear the rigors of cold, than 
either of the other two species common in the United States, both of 
which are found in the northern regions of Canada, as well as in the 
genial climate of Florida. 
The Dove, generally speaking, has long been considered as the 
favorite emblem of peace and innocence, probably from the respectful 
manner in which its name is mentioned in various parts of Scripture ; 
its being selected from among all the birds by Noah to ascertain the 
state of the delude, and returning to the ark, bearing the olive leaf as 
a messenger of peace and good tidings ; the Holy Ghost, it is also said, 
was seen to descend like a dove from heaven, &c, &c. In addition to 
these, there is in the Dove an appearance of meekness and innocency 
very interesting, and well calculated to secure our partiality in its favor. 
These remarks are applicable to the whole genus ; but are more par- 
ticularly so to the species now before us, as being among the least, the 
most delicate and inoffensive, of the whole. 
The Ground Dove is six inches and a quarter long ; bill yellow, black 
at the point ; nostril covered with a prominent membrane, as is usual 
with the genus ; iris of the eye orange red ; front, throat, breast and 
sides of the neck, pale vinaceous purple ; the feathers strongly defined 
by semicircular outlines, those on the throat centered with dusky blue ; 
crown and hind head a fine pale blue, intermixed with purple, the plu- 
mage like that on the throat strongly defined ; back cinereous brown, 
* Xanthoxjlum Clava Herculis, 
