ABOUT STOCK DOVES 
47 
resort to the disused burrows of a rabbit warren — especially 
when these happen to be situated at an elevation. It was 
during a sojourn on the borders of Kent and Sussex that the 
writer chanced upon a colony of Stock Doves that had taken 
up their quarters on a high, sandy cliff overlooking the waters 
of Rye Harbour. There were no trees in the immediate vicinity, 
and from the foot of the cliff, which commands a magnificent 
panorama of the surrounding marshland, one could discern the 
pigeons as they alighted and entered the rabbit-holes that studded 
its side. An ascent from the front being no easy matter, the hill 
was skirted, and an approach made from the rear under cover of 
a thick hedge that crowned the summit of the cliff. From this 
coign of vantage it was possible, after considerable waiting, to 
obtain a good view of the birds at short range ; and if it required 
the exercise of some patience, the effort was well rewarded, for 
one by one the pigeons descended with rapid flight and, after 
a momentary pause, entered the burrows. As the birds wheeled 
about in the dazzling sunlight, the tinsel-like feathers of their 
necks flashed a hundred brilliant rays, and gave to the picture 
an indescribable charm. These metallic feathers form a con- 
spicuous feature in the Stock Dove and are far brighter than 
the iridescent markings that adorn the neck in other pigeons. 
An attempt to reach the birds after they had entered their 
retreats proved futile, for they were far back in the burrows — 
well, in fact, out of arm’s length — leaving no sign save a few 
stray feathers to betray their presence. The farmers in the 
district call them “sand pigeons,” and one native of whom 
enquiry was made referred to them as “ Rock Doves,” evidently 
mistaking the birds for Coliimha livia, which species, however, 
seldom travels so far inland. 
Numbers of Stock Doves are taken annually from this cliff 
by lads and others residing in the neighbourhood. A rabbit-net 
is placed over the hole containing the bird, and the ground 
immediately above is beaten vigorously with a stout stick or 
“bat,” as it is locally termed. The effect is to drive out the 
quarry, which is then easily captured. During the summer 
Stock Doves live in pairs, rearing, generally, two nests of young. 
In the autumn, however, they flock in large numbers, and remain 
congregated during the winter. At this time they desert their 
more exposed nesting places, and seek the seclusion of the 
woods, which they leave only when in search of food. 
For the sake of their natural beauty and active habits. Stock 
Doves make desirable inmates of the ornamental or garden 
aviary. If undisturbed they soon become accustomed to their 
surroundings, and thrive well on the diet of domestic varieties. 
Nevertheless, they seldom altogether lose their instinctive love 
of freedom, and struggle vehemently at any attempt to catch 
them, battering themselves wildly about if startled or otherwise 
frightened. 
A. A. Goodall. 
