DOVE, originally applied in England to several native and domesticated species of the geniis Columba; the name dove is now used generally for the smaller species of the pigeon family (Columbidie, q.v.), but in many cases interchangeably with pigeon. The name applies to about 10 native North American species, of which the most important are the mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura), the white-winged dove (Melopelia leucoptera), the ground dove (Columbigallina passerina), and several species of ground dove, of which only the first extends its range northward, the others being more especially derived from the West Indian and Mexican fauna, which includes many additional species. The mourning dove, so-called on ac count of its plaintive call, and unadorned plum age, ranges and breeds throughout temperate North America. The nest is a loose structure of twigs in which two eggs are deposited. In the late summer and autumn, when congregated in small flocks, doves are sometimes destructive to crops, and are much sought by gunners in localities where the game laws permit.
Several species of European and other ex otic doves are well known in this country in the domesticated state. The ring dove (Co lumba palumbus) occurs throughout Europe, collecting in large flocks during the winter and depredating fields of turnips and other crops. The rock dove, or rock pigeon (C. livia) is
considered by Darwin ((Animals and Plants Under Domestication') to have been the origi nal stock of our domesticated pigeons, which, as a result of careful selection, have diverged into many races, arranged by Darwin in four principal groups: (1) Pouters; (2) Carriers, Runts and Barbs ; (3) Fantails, Tumblers, Tur bits, etc.; and (4) Trumpeters— which lead through some little modified varieties to the original stock still existing on the coasts of Europe and North Africa.
The turtle dove (Turtur communis) of Eu rope has been universally adopted in Christian countries as the emblem of gentleness and love, and figures much in poetry. It also symbolized loveliness, and was applied in this sense to women. The dove was the bird of Venus; Babylon was the city of the dove; it was a dove that whispered into the ear of Mohammed, and was his oracle. It was embodied in the pagan worship of ancient Europe, and held a place in funeral rites. The dove was a sacred bird to the Israelites, typefying innocence, and Jerusa lem was the city of the dove. In Christian times it was the attribute of the Virgin Mary; was a symbol of the Holy Ghost, and carved on baptismal and communion vessels and on the tombs of martyrs as a figure of the resurrec tion.