PLATE LXXII. 
The Wood Pigeon 
I S reduced, for the conveniency of the Work. The bird, from which this was taken, meafured 
fifteen inches from the point of the bill to the tip of the tail, and twelve inches round the breaft : we 
have them in great plenty in the winter feafon ; they flock together, and refort to the turnip fields 
for food ; at which time they are very fat, and are caught for the London markets in great numbers. 
They are very fliy birds, and not eafy to approach ; at the fight of any one, though at a difl;ance, 
they are all inftantly on the wing. They are fwift in their flight, and referable our tame Pigeons, in 
fome degree ; but do not differ in their colour, as they do, but are all marked the fame. In the fpring 
they feparate, and appear only in pairs. Their nefts, which are frequently built by the fide of a tree, 
and are compofed of a few fmall flicks, fo loofely put together, that the eggs, which are two in num- 
ber, and white like the common Pigeon, may almoft be feen through. If not difturbed, will return 
to the fame tree next year. They are fo wild, though hatched under a tame Pigeon, that if you 
offer to take them, they will ftrike with their wings with great force. 
