250 
COLUMBI FORMES 
Pigeons, descended from the Rock Dove of Europe, show the most dis- 
tinctive characteristics of the family. There are no recognizable or 
taxonomic differences between the so-< ailed pigeons and doves. 
312. Band- tailed Pigeon, lb pigeon a queue habr^e. Columba fasciata. L, 16. 
Plate XXX A. The largest of our pigeons, resembling in general outline and build the 
common domestic inhabitants of our dovecots. 
Distinction s. Easily separated from the Mourning 
Dove and Passenger Pigeon by its large size, bluish colour, 
and broad, rounded (Figure 373), instead of long, pointed, 
tail. From the White-winged Dove, which has a similarly 
shaped tail, by its greatly superior size, bluish to purple 
general colour, and the lack of white patch on wings. 
Field Murks. Evident dove appearance, round tail, 
large size, and general blue coloration. .Separated from 
the domestic dove by its habitat and readiness to alight 
in trees. 
Nesting. Platform of sticks in dense shrubbery. 
Distribution. In Canada, west of the Coast Range 
north at least to Bella Coola; west in the United States to 
central Colorado and south to Central America, 
SUBSPECIES. All birds except those of Lower California are referred to the type 
form, the Northern Band-tailed Pigeon (le Pigeon k queue barree du Nord) Columba 
fasciata fasciata. 
The Band-tailed is the common pigeon of the west coast. Its large 
size makes it a rather valuable table bird, but it has not been hunted much 
nor seriously reduced in numbers in Canada. In the United States it has 
been pursued in winter to such an extent as to seriously deplete its numbers 
and arouse some anxiety regarding its future. Since adequate protective 
measures have been established, it seems to be recovering satisfactorily. 
In the spring the species forms vast flocks that move irregularly 
about, and considerable more or less justified complaint against them comes 
from farmers whose newly sowed crops they have settled upon. It does 
not seem that they commonly take other than surface grain, and drilling 
it in should normally afford ample protection against damage to small 
grain. They are especially partial to peas and are said to pull up the 
sprouting seeds. The flocks so engaged are described as being numerous 
enough to turn the colour of the fields they alight upon from brown to blue. 
As they are large birds, each one intent on filling a capacious crop, their 
power for damage is not small. In the autumn they alight on the stooked 
grain and may take a considerable toll of it. It is fortunate that the 
birds are very irregular and local in their habits. One field may suffer 
one season, whereas others, apparently equally attractive, are untouched. 
The next season appreciable flocks may be totally absent from the neigh- 
bourhood and appear in an unexpected quarter. In British Columbia, 
at least, there is at present no fear for the survival of the species and when 
it becomes too numerous its numbers can be easily reduced. They are 
exceedingly wary and with us seem well able to take care of themselves. 
Periodically old-time eastern pigeon-hunters note this western species 
and exultantly proclaim the rediscovery of the Passenger Pigeon that 
dropped from sight so suddenly as to suggest change in range rather than 
extermination. Unfortunately no such explanation can be accepted and 
the merest comparison of the long, slender, rosy-breasted Passenger 
Pigeon with this heavy, round-tailed, purplish bird shows the error of the 
supposition. 
Figure 373 
Tail of Band-tailed Pigeon 
i under side); scale, |. 
