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STOCK DOVE. 
Columba cnas, PENNANT. SELBY. 
Columba—A Dove. Oinos—Wine; from the vinous colour of its 
breast. 
THE Stock Dove is found in Europe—in Germany and 
France, Spain and Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In 
North Africa, and also in Madeira; as likewise in Asia— 
namely in Persia; and in Africa—in Egypt, and in the islands 
of the Mediterranean. 
In Yorkshire, a few have been met with in the neighbour- 
hood of York, and a few are also noticed in the vicinity of 
Sheffield. In Norfolk it is common, but local; also in 
Hertfordshire and Essex. The same is the case in other 
southern and midland counties. . 
It frequents woods, coppices, and groves, and these both 
in low and more hilly countries, suiting itself alike among 
oaks and fruit trees, beeches and firs, or any others that 
present facilities for building purposes. 
It remains in some parts of the country throughout the 
year, but is migratory in others, leaving its summer haunts 
towards the end of October. 
The Stock Dove becomes easily tame in confinement, and 
will even return to its cage after being loosed from it. 
They roost in trees, and consort with the Ring Dove in 
winter, at which time they also assemble in large flocks. 
They are restless in their habits. While the hen is sitting, 
her partner frequently comes to look after her. Like others 
of the genus they are much attached to each other, and 
though several pairs build in the same neighbourhood, are 
never seen to quarrel. They are cleanly and neat in all their 
habits. The young birds are much esteemed as an article of 
food. 
