316. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. 12 in.
Upperparts olive-brown; below, buffy-gray; a small black mark on the ears above the iridescent neck patch.
These birds never flock as [Passenger Pigeons] did, traveling in companies of six to a dozen, and they have no common nesting or roosting places, but nest anywhere in the woods, orchards or vines. As they are not often hunted, they are not shy, and in some localities are very tame, especially when they are breeding. Their food consists of seeds, grain, berries and insects, most of which they get from the ground. They nest either in trees, bushes or on the ground, most often the former. Their nests are very frail platforms, composed of only a few twigs and rootlets; when on the ground, usually no nest is made. Their two eggs are pure white, as are those of all doves. They are loving birds, always cooing to each other, and are very attentive to their young until they are full grown.
Range.—Breeds throughout the United States and southern Canada, except northern New England and the Provinces.
WHITE-FRONTED DOVE
318. Leptotila fulviventris brachyptera. 12 in.
No black ear-mark; under wing coverts rusty chestnut. Forehead whitish; all but central pair of tail feathers tipped with white.
Nest.—Indistinguishable from that of the next species.
Range.—Central America and Mexico, north in February to valley of Lower Rio Grande.