Supramity CARPOPHAGINAE. 
This subfamily contains a number of very large Pigeons which 
closely approach the Green Pigeons in their habits generally, but in their 
anatomy are nearer the Columbinae. Like the Treroninae they have no 
caeca, but unlike that subfamily and like the Columbinae they possess 
both ambiens muscle and an oil-gland. They are essentially arboreal 
Pigeons, but are not such constant or such powerful climbers as are the 
smaller Green Pigeon. They are all birds of great size, bigger than the 
common Pigeon, and are generally known as “ Imperial Pigeon ”’ amongst 
sportsmen and field-naturalists. 
According to Blanford’s classification the subfamily contains three 
genera and six species, but in the present work, whilst admitting the three 
genera, I reduce three of the species to the rank of subspecies, i.e. 
Carpophaga insularis, and Ducula griseicapilla and D. cwprea. 
Key to the Genera. 
A. Head, neck and lower-parts grey : 
a. Mantle green with metallic-green or bronze... ... Carpophaga. 
b. Mantle not green and with no metallic-green gloss... Ducula. 
B. Whole plumage black and white ‘ia ses is ... Myristicivora. 
