148 
COLUMBID/E. 
RASORES. 
I. COLUMBID^. 
THE WOOD PIGEON. 
Columha iKthimbus. 
It is a fact, in all probability clue to its late rapid increase 
tbrouglioiit the mainland of Scotland, that the Wood Pigeon, 
formerly seen in Shetland at long and irregular intervals, 
now appears every spring and autumn, though in small 
numbers, more than two seldom being observed at one time 
in the same locality. Those which visit the islands are mostly 
adult birds ; they are apparently fatigued and desirous of rest- 
ing immediately after their arrival, but are nevertheless in 
general as shy and watchful as elsewhere, only approaching 
the garden at dusk for the purpose of roosting, and keeping to 
the most open fields during the day. The only young Wood 
Pigeon I have seen arrived about the end of October 1864, 
and remained for many days. This bird was remarkably 
tame, and seemed greatly to wish to fraternise with the House 
Pigeons, which, however, as soon as it appeared among them, 
always flew off in great alarm, dodging it as if it were a Hawk, 
— a very singular fact, for they never take the slightest notice 
of the presence of the Rock Dove among them. Often, after 
coming in from the fields to the dovecot, it would retire dis- 
consolate to the nearest chimney or roof-ridge, presenting 
such a pitiful appearance that one was quite inclined to feel 
angry with the House Pigeons for sending their unfortunate 
near relation to Coventry without his having committed any 
offence. 
