> K V
S T O C K DOYE .
Co lum b a cenas, Lin n .
L e C o lom b e colombin.
A l th o u g h the Stock Dove ¿losely resembles many o f our domestic breeds in plumage and general appearance,
it is not now considered the origin o f those birds; the European varieties o f which are ascribed to another
nearly allied species, the Columba lima, whose natural habitat is confined to rocks, towers and ruins, especially
those adjacent to the sea-coast, whereas that o f the present species is restricted to woodlands, building in
hollow trees and perching on their branches. Independently o f the difference o f the localities chosen by each,
we find the Stock Dove destitute o f that peculiar mark which characterizes most o f our domestic varieties,
viz. the conspicuous white band on the rump and upper tail-coverts,— a feature equally distinguishing the
Columba lima from the present bird, in which we find this part o f the same lead-coloured blue as the rest o f
the plumage.
The Stock Dove inhabits the whole o f the middle countries o f Europe, becoming less common as we
approach the northern and southern regions. In England it is found in several midland districts that are
well covered with woods, particularly Hertfordshire and the adjoining counties.
The Columba cenas is one o f the many o f its species in which the typical characters both as to colour and
form are truly developed: in its manner it closely resembles the Wood Pigeon; it differs, however, in some
minor points, viz. the situation o f its nest, and its more shy and retired disposition at the time o f incubation.
Its favourite breeding-place is among parks, beech-woods, and forests abounding with old trees, in the holes of
which it frequently breeds, making but little or no nest, as is usual we believe with most o f the birds o f this
genus. It lays two eggs o f a pure white. Its food consists o f peas, and other leguminous seeds, to which it
adds the green tops o f turnips and other vegetables.
The sexes offer no differences in plumage, and the young are only to be distinguished by the want o f the
changeable reflections o f green on the sides o f the neck, and the general dulness o f the plumage.
The head and whole o f the upper surface is o f a beautiful blueish ash colour; the quill-feathers dark g re y ;
the centre o f the wings have two obscure spots o f black, the tips o f the tail-feathers being o f the same colour;
the sides o f the neck are o f a rich changeable green; the breast is tinged with vinous, and the whole o f the
under parts are o f a more delicate grey than the u pper; beak dull r e d ; irides and feet dull scarlet. Total
length twelve or thirteen inches.
Our Plate represents an adult bird of its natural size.