20 
Fl R'l'IlKk ()i:SKR\-.\'l l()XS ox MIXXKSOTA I5IRDS: 
i^ion- of (liscoverin^^- the existence (if it does exist) of this former 
summer resident still remains for sonie aspirin^' ornithologist. 
d'hcre is no need of confusing these two birds, ddie wild 
pigeon is 1()}4 inches long; the ground dove only inches, 
approximately, ddie tipper part of the former are dove-colored or 
bluish-slate with metallic reflections on the sides of the neck of 
the male, while the upper parts of the dove are gravish-brown. 
ddie nests ol both consist of small twigs looselv ])Ut together and 
containing in each case two white eggs. 
THE WOOD DUCK. 
A bird like the woodcock and some others, rapidh' growing 
more scarce in Alinnesota and included here with the (iolden 
Plover as representing our “vanishing birds." Strikingly tropical- 
looking is the male bird. In the above excellent illustration imag- 
ine the sides of the face and soft crested crown, green with 
purplish reflections, contrasting shar])ly with the white of the up- 
per throat, the breast a rich, purplish chestnut, hnely spotted with 
white; sides vellowish, delicateh' pencilled with black, with ends 
of flank feathers sharply l)arred with black and white. Back 
blackish or brownish, with green reflections, and kmg wing- 
feathers, bluish with green reflections, ddie eye (iris) bright red. 
A ^■eritable prince amongst ducks, capable of domestication and 
