AN UNFORTUNATE MOURNING DOVE 89 
had become more cautious and timid* The sudden 
flutter and curving rise showed that a familiar view 
would not be tolerated* This strange mother seemed 
more anxious about her own safety than the protection 
of her expected nestlings* On the third morning, with 
still greater stealth, the sheltered stump was ap- 
proached, but peering, halting, and advancing revealed 
the discouraging truth that the eggs were gone* A 
Dove, probably the bereaved mother, flew past and 
beyond the adjacent woods, showing no inclination 
to return to the scene of her domestic tragedy* As 
there was no collector in the neighbourhood, the 
marauder was probably a Squirrel, although the Jays 
and Crows were not free from suspicion* The 
Mourning Dove, whose soft, cooing tones always 
attract attention, is sometimes mistaken for the 
doubtless extinct Wild Pigeon* Its long pointed tail, 
showing white when expanded, is a conspicuous mark* 
Its slaty brown and buff are relieved by the neck 
adornment of iridescent green, and there is a dark 
spot below either ear. This careless nesting habit 
makes it a prey to many enemies, but is not so 
jeopardising as the gregarious domestic life that made 
the Wild Pigeon an easy victim of the most relentless 
devourer* 
