Or Turtle, the Columba Turtur; a distinct bird from the common dove or pigeon, smaller and differently marked, and having a soft and plaintive note, Isaiah 59:11 Ezekiel 7:16 . It is a bird of passage, Jeremiah 8:7 , leaving Palestine for a short trip to the south, and returning early in spring, Song of Song of Solomon 2:12 . It is timid and fond of seclusion, and pines in captivity, Psalm 11:1 . The law allowed it as a burnt or sin-offering by the poor, Leviticus 1:14 5:7 Matthew 21:22 , and in several cases of purification, etc., Leviticus 12:6-8 14:22 Numbers 6:10 Luke 2:24 . Before the giving of the law, Abraham offered birds, which he divided the other victims he left the birds entire, Genesis 15:9 .