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Range (North America breeding) (II)

North America, breeding from Cuba north to Ontario, Quebec, and southern Maine, and wintering from southern Illinois and New York to the Greater Antilles and Panama.

Washington, P. R.; common, except in winter. Sing Sing, common S. R., Mch. 3 to Nov. 27; a few winter. Cambridge, occasional during summer in the immediate vicinity of Cambridge.

Nest, a flat structure of small twigs rather loosely put together, on the lower branches of a tree, generally within ten feet of the ground; rarely on the ground in the Eastern States. Eggs, two, white, 1.07 x 83. Doves resemble Wild Pigeons, but are much smaller, and their rapid flight is accompanied by the whistling sound of wings, while the flight of the Wild Pigeon is said to be noiseless.

During the nesting season they may be found in pairs, generally in open woodlands or tree-bordered fields. They also visit roads and lanes to dust themselves. The sweet, sad call of the male has won for this species its common name; it consists of several soft coos, which may be written: Coo-o-o, ah-coo-o-o-- coo-o-o- COO-0-0. Under favorable circumstances these notes may be heard at a distance of at least two hundred and fifty yards: they are uttered slowly and tenderly, and with such apparent depth of feeling that one might easily imagine the bird was mourning the loss of his mate, instead of singing a lovesong to her. At this season one or both birds may be seen performing a peculiar aërial evolution. Ascending to a height of about thirty feet, they fly for some distance in an unnatural manner, and then, after a short sail, return to their perch. When engaged in this performance they very closely resemble a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

After the nesting season Doves gather in flocks of varying size and frequent grain and corn fields. During the day they visit the nearest supply of fine gravel, which they eat in large quantities as an aid to digestion. In some localities, soon after sunset, they regularly repair in numbers to some favorite place to drink, and then retire to their roosts. 317. Zenaida zenaida (Bonap.). ZENAIDA DOVE. Ad.-Bears a general resemblance to Zenaidura macroura, but the tail is square and tipped with ashy, and the under parts are deep, rich vinaceous. L., 10.00; W., 6·10; T., 3.50; B., 66.