396 COLOMBO. 



SECTION 11. 



CoLUMBiE.* 



The^ Second Section of tlie Gallinee compreliends 

 a numerous race of birds^ wliicli however constitute 

 but one family^f 



CoLUMBiD^. The PigeoTis. 



Gen. Chakac. — Bill short, straight, and compressed, with the apical half of 

 the mandibles more or less vaulted and strong, and the base more or less 

 weak, and covered by a soft fleshy membrane, in which are placed the nos- 

 trils ; the wings moderate ; the tarsi more or less long and robust ; the toes 

 lengthened, divided, and padded beneath. 



Tlie place wliicli tlie Pigeons ouglit to occupy in 

 tbe zoological system lias been a very fertile subject 

 of dispute. Linnaeus classed them with the Passeres; 

 Bufibn^ Pennant, and Latham arrange them as an 

 order by themselves ; while Cuvier and others place 

 them in the category of Grallinaceous birds. The 

 settlement of this question is indeed a matter of 

 considerable difficulty, as the habits of the entire 

 race are in many respects very peculiar. Like the 

 Passerine birds, they associate in pairs during the 

 nuptial season, work together in the construction of 

 their nest, and mutually assist in the incubation 

 of their eggs and the care of their progeny ; 

 which latter, blind and helpless when they are first 

 hatched, are fed in the nest that forms their cradle', 

 and which they never quit until fully fledged; indeed, 

 for some time afterwards, they are unable to supply 

 their own wants, and depend entirely upon the 

 assistance of their parents. The features in which 

 they differ from the Passerine race are, however, 

 equally well marked : these consist in their manner 



* In the " Tabular View " this is given as a separate Order, 

 f See "Animal Creation," p. 448. 



