152 Carl Naether—Further Nesting Notes on Bronze-wing Pigeons


period of time she will continue to breed under the present favourable

climatic conditions.


For the period of a year these Pigeons have nested in a large hanging

basket, though not always willingly. With the approach of nesting

time male and female become restless and apparently dissatisfied

with their old nesting site. Several times they have attempted to

build in a feed-box close to the door of the aviary. As soon as I covered

this box, however, they returned to their former nesting place.

However, at the present time they have again deserted the hanging

basket—this time giving the preference to a box in a semi-dark corner

of the aviary. Always up to this time the Bronze-wings have hatched

their eggs, though frequently not rearing their young to maturity.

The last two settings of eggs, however, they left, incubating them for

only ten days. I do not know why they left the eggs.


The behaviour of the Bronze-wings varies in other respects. I left

one of their young with the parents which, though getting very restless

and nervous shortly before egg-laying time, did not harm the full-grown

squab. Very early one morning last week I heard a noise as of much

fluttering against the aviary wire and possible fighting. Investigation

proved that the old Bronze-wing Pigeons were fighting the squab

vigorously. This they had never done before. Of course, I removed

the young Pigeon immediately.


The Bronze-wings are very fond of angle worms, which they devour

whole and in considerable numbers. Of course, this delicacy is not

often available. The seed they relish the most is hemp ; millet they

invariably leave in the feed-box. Green feed they do not take at all.


One rather important respect in which these Bronze-wings differ

from all my other Pigeons and Doves is that at night they prefer to

roost in the sheltered and covered portion of the aviary, whereas the

other Doves sleep in the wire-covered flight under the open sky.

I shall observe these interesting birds further, with a view to noting

other characteristics.



