GROUND DOVE. 
13 
greens. But in every situation, even though in darkness, they 
are so vigilant as to fly at the instant of approach. They do 
not huddle together, but take up their rest in solitude, though 
a whole flock may be in the same field ; they also frequently 
resort to the same roosting places, if not materially molested. 
It is a hardy species, enduring considerable cold, and indi- 
viduals remain even in the Middle as well as the Southern 
States throughout the year. These birds are far less gregarious 
and migratory than is the common Wild Pigeon. When their 
food becomes scanty in the fields in the course of the winter, 
they approach the farm, feeding among the poultry with the 
Blackbirds, Sparrows, and other guests of the same accidental 
bounty, and if allowed without reprisal, appear as gentle as 
Domestic Doves. Raised from the nest, they are easily tamed, 
and instances are known of their breeding in confinement. 
Their flesh is also much esteemed, and by some considered as 
scarcely inferior to that of the Snipe or Woodcock. 
The Mourning Dove is a common summer resident of New 
England, and I have seen a few examples in New Brunswick. 
Mr. Mcllwraith reports it breeding sparingly in southern Ontario, 
while Dr. Coues estimates its numbers in Arizona by “ millions.” 
GROUND DOVE. 
COLUMBIGALLINA PASSERINA. 
Char. Back and rump grayish olive, head and neck purplish red 
possed with blue, the feathers edged with grayish olive; wings like back, 
p tinged with purple and spotted with steel blue ; central tail-feathers 
ike back, outer feathers blackish with paler tips ; lower parts purplish 
fed, the feathers of the breast streaked with grayish olive ; bill yellow, 
tipped with black ; feet yellow. Female and young paler, grayer, and 
without the purple tints. Length 6% inches. 
Wew. On a tree, usually on a low branch, but sometimes 15 to 20 feet 
rom the ground ; little more than a platform of twigs. 
2 ; dull white or creamy ; 0.85 X 0.65. 
The Ground Dove is an inhabitant of all the States of the 
Union south of Virginia, and is met with also in the West 
Indies. It is common in the sea islands of the Southern 
