Turtle, turtle dove

The Latin m.uhu of this bird is a re- duplication of the Hub., and both refer to its well- known note. There are three species in Palestine and Sj-ria, Turtur auritus, L., the true turtle dove, T. risoriu3, L., tlie collared turtle dove, and T. Senegalensis, L., the Egyptian turtle dove. The collared species is the largest, reaching 13 in. in length, and is found principally about the Dead Sea and in the Jordan Valley. It is an Indian species.

It derives its name from a narrow black collar at the bark of the neck. The palm or Egyptian turtle dove is smaller, being about 10 in. long. It is more widely distributed than tlie last species, but not as much so as the following. It al.so has a black collar. It nests by preference in palm trees, whence one of its names. The common turtle dove is not only general in distribution, but very abundant. It is about 12 in. long, and has 3 oblifpie coloured bands at the side of the neck.

The Scripture references in the older books are to the bird as a substitute for the pigeon in sacrifice ((in 15», Lv 5' etc., Nu 6'» ; < f . Lk 2-«). The Slaintive note and unresisting habits of the turtle ove are probably the characteri.stics alluded to by a psalmist, when he pleads that the gentle turtle dove shall not be delivered to the cruelties of the wicked (I's 74"). Its voice is the harhin''er of spring (Ca 2'^). Its migrations are also alluded to (Jer 8').

The above references would ap|)ly equally to any or all of the species. The palm turtle could have been used for sacrifice in the wilderness ; tlio collared turtle would have served in the plains of Moab ; whUe the common turtle would be found in all parts of the land. The common Arab, name for the turtle dove is terghull. It is also called .yuL^ul, dulisl, and fdkhit. There is the usual uncertainty as to the specific value of these names. G. E. Post.