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WHITE-HE ADE D DO VE. 
only a few feet, from the ground, on the upper branches of a mangrove, or 
quite low, almost touching the water, and hanging over it. In general the 
nest resembles that of the Columba migratoria, but it is more compact, and 
better lined. The outer part is composed of small dry twigs, the inner of 
fibrous roots and grasses. The eggs are two, opaque, white, rather roundish, 
and as large as those of the domestic Pigeon. From the appearance of the 
eggs in the ovaria of females having young at the time, I would infer that 
this species has several broods during each season ; and perhaps they may 
breed in Cuba, after their return from the Florida Keys. None of these 
birds are found on the mainland, although it is at no great distance. 
A rather extraordinary fact relating to the habits of this species, is that 
many of these birds, which breed in Cuba, or some of the Bahama Islands, 
come to the Florida Keys for the purpose of procuring food for their young, 
to which they return several times daily. This is particularly observed at 
the time when the sea grape is fully ripe, or during the month of June. 
The numbers of these Pigeons that resort to the Keys, attract several species 
of Hawks during the breeding season, amongst which the Peregrine and the 
Red-shouldered are conspicuous. On none of the Keys unvisited by this 
species, did I see a Hawk of any kind. 
The White-headed Pigeon exhibits little of the pomposity of the common 
domestic species, in its amorous moments. The male, however, struts before 
the female with elegance, and the tones of his voice are quite sufficient to 
persuade her of the sincerity of his attachment. During calm and clear 
mornings, when nature appears in all her purity and brightness, the cooing 
of this pigeon may be heard at a considerable distance, mingling in full 
concord with the softer tones of the Zenaida Dove. The bird standing 
almost erect, full-plumed, and proud of his beauty, emits at first a loud 
croohoo , as a prelude, and then proceeds to repeat his coo-coo-coo. These 
sounds are continued during the period of incubation, and are at all times 
welcome to the car of the visiter of these remarkable islands. When 
approached suddenly, it emits a hollow, guttural sound, precisely resembling 
that of the Common Pigeon on such occasions. 
The young birds are at first almost black, but have tufts of a soft buff- 
coloured down distributed mostly over the head and shoulders. While yet 
squabs they have no appearance of white on the head, and they take about 
four months before they acquire their perfect plumage. Smaller size, and a 
less degree of brilliancy, distinguish the female from the male. About the 
beginning of October they abound on the Keys, and return to the West 
India Islands. 
I have only to add the following particulars to what I have already 
detailed of the history of this species. While standing perched in a nearly 
