S T O C K DOVE.
Columba OtttOS, PENN'ANT. SF.LBY.
Columba—A Dove Oinot—Wine; from the vinous colour of its breast.
I H E Stock Dove is found in Europe—in Germany and France,
Spain and Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In North Africa,
in Egypl and the islands of the Mediterranean; also in Madeira; as
likewise in Asia—namely in Persia.
I n Yorkshire, a few have been met with in the neighbourhood of
York, and a few arc also noticed in the vicinity of Sheffield, also near
Beverley. I have had them in trees close to Nunburnholme Rectory.
I n Lincolnshire, at Grainshy, Totney, and Swinhope, where it breeds
in small numbers; also at Peterborough, in Northamptonshire. In
Norfolk it is common, but local; also in Hertfordshire and Essex.
1 n Oxfordshire it is occasionally met with. In (!ornwall it is now
scarce. In Scotland, even to Caithness. It is found in Guernsev and
Sark. The same is the case in other southern and midland counties.
It frequents woods, coppices, and groves, and these both in low
and mure 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 tamed in confinement, and attached
to its companions and its adopted home, and will even return to its
cage after being loosed from it: this even though hatched in the
woods.
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 alter her. Like others of the genus they are much
attached to each other, and though several pairs build in the Bame