TURTLE-DOVE. 
COLUMBA TUllTUR. 
The Turtle-Dove is one of the latest of our summer migrants to reach the British Islands, the first week in 
May having usually arrived before these birds make their appearance on our shores. But a short season is 
passed in this country, the majority taking their departure early in September, not a single individual having 
come under my observation after the end of that month. 
In Sussex the Turtle-Dove is exceedingly plentiful, nesting in most of the wooded districts, as well as in 
considerable numbers in the sheltered valleys of the South Downs. In Surrey and Middlesex it appears 
equally abundant ; when at school at Harrow I frequently noticed the birds breeding in the woods and 
plantations in the neighbourhood. The hroad-district of Norfolk does not appear to offer any great attraction 
to this species ; a few pairs, however, may occasionally be found where a sufficient quantity of timber exists to 
meet their requirements. In the summer of 1881 I remarked an old bird, accompanied by a couple of young 
ones which had evidently just left tlie nest, in a damp and swampy alder-car near Ludham. Early on the 
morning of May 31, 1871, several small parties of Doves were observed flying over Breydon mud-fiats, heading 
towards the north-west ; one or two I shot were in an exceedingly bright state of plumage. Judging by 
their movements, it is most probable, though late in the season, that these flocks were still on their way to 
more northern quarters. In the neighbourhood of Doncaster, in Yorkshire, I remember shooting a few 
Turtle-Doves many years ago during autumn ; the keepers, however, Avere unacquainted Avith the species, 
which possibly did not breed in the district. IVith the exception of a pair seen flying along the rocks between 
Canty Bay and Seacliffe, on the shores of the Eirth of Eorth, early in May 18G4, I never met Avith the Turtle- 
Dove in Scotland. As far as I AV'as able to ascertain, the bird Avas unknoAvn to either keepers or gillies 
among whom inquiries Avere made in the Highlands. 
A few of the complaints brought against the Wood-Pigeon as to damage inflicted on the crops are also 
laid to the charge of this species ; in no part of the country, however, is the bird sufficiently numerous 
to render its presence objectionable. Prom frequent observations on their habits, I am fully convinced that 
our handsome summer visitors make ample reparation for the small amount of plunder that falls to their 
share; this is more especially the case in those parts of the country, unfortunately too numerous, Avhere the 
farming operations are somewdiat slovenly. There is little doubt that the seeds of numberless rank and 
injurious plants are consumed by Doves ; the grain also littered in the harvest-fields goes a considerable 
Avay toAvards making up their humble bill of fare. In eompany Avith Wood-Pigeons I have frequently seen 
these birds, shortly before harvest, resorting to those portions of the corn-fields where a profusion of Avidely 
spreading Aveeds had choked the grain and caused a failure in the crop. 
Doves often make their way to the sea-shore on the coast of Sussex during the heat of summer ; constant 
flights may also be seen crossing the marshes toAvards the rivers up Avhich the tide flows. As numberless 
dykes are passed at Avhich their thirst might be appeased, it is doubtless the salt in the Avater that proves the 
