similar to that built in a tree may be prepared, but commonly only a few sticks and straws are gath- 
ered, and so arranged as to prevent the eggs rolling off. No lining is added even to the most perfect 
structure; but the upper surface often consists of better selected materials than the base. The average 
diameter of the nest is about four inches, not taking into the measurement the loose sticks which gen- 
erally project on all sides. 
EGGS: 
The complement of eggs is always two. They are elliptic or oval in shape, have a pure white 
shell, moderately glossy, and measure in long-diameter from 1.00 to 1.20; in short-diameter from .72 to 
.90. The largest egg before me measures .89 x 1.15; the smallest .74 x 1.10. The average is .82x1.11. 
As soon as the first egg is laid the Dove begins sitting, and as several days may elapse before the 
second egg is deposited, it is not infrequent to find young birds of somewhat unequal sizes in the same 
nest. Occasionally when the young are almost half-grown the mother lays again ; the trouble of incuba- 
tion is thus transferred to the nestlings. The same habit exists among tame Pigeons. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 
The nest and eggs can generally be distinguished from the Wild Pigeon’s by their smaller size. 
The nest alone resembles somewhat the Cuckoo’s, except that it contains no catkins. 
REMARKS : 
The nest illustrated was selected on account of the simplicity of its surroundings. It is a compact and 
elaborate structure, but no more so than is necessary for security. The position in which it is placed requires 
more material and better workmanship than if it had been situated upon a large limb. It is composed of 
twigs, roots, weed-stems, and straws ; the upper surface is made up of the same but finer material than the base. 
During the period of incubation the male Dove is very attentive to his partner; he often brings 
her water and food, which he feeds to her after the manner of the family, that is by regurgitation. 
When the young are hatched both parents supply food; as soon as they are large enough to fly, the 
male takes them in charge and the female busies herself about the cares of another brood. In summer, 
Doves are commonly seen in threes, flying here and there, or feeding in the field or road . The trio 
usually consists of one parent and two young. By the time the fall months come the majority of young 
are hatched and well able to take care of themselves ; they now congregate in flocks with the old 
birds, and resort to the stubble and corn-fields to feed. As night approaches they make long flights to 
some orchard or weedy field to roost. During these flights, which occur just at dark, many are killed 
by the telegraph wires which interlace the State. I have picked up numbers of these birds with broken 
heads, disjointed wings, and severed necks from under one wire which stretches across a favorite route. 
At this season their numbers are also thinned by the insatiable hunter, who, placing himself near a 
roost, can, if a good shot, kill dozens in an evening. The small boy, v ho has not yet become a wing- 
shot., also kills his share of the Doves. He shoots them in the trees upon which they alight, in the 
road when feeding, in the yard of a pork-packing house to which they resort for salt, or some such 
place, where he can take advantage of their moments of quiet. So persistent and common has this raid 
become that there is now comparatively few Doves in the State. When no other shooting can be had, 
wing-shooting at Doves affords tolerable sport, as the birds in the proper season are strong flyers, and 
require a good charge to penetrate their thick armor. Sometimes in the afternoon when feeding in 
stubble they will lie well to a dog, and may then be shot over points like quail ; but it is only occa- 
sionally that they behave in this manner. When properly served, a Dove in good condition is quite 
eatable ; this is all the more reason however for their protection. They should not be killed before 
October or after February, and never except while on the wing. 
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