COLUMBIDJS. 



Family COLUMBIDJE. 



Even the subfamilies of the Indian Pigeons are founded on 

 distinctions several of which are usually regarded as not more than 

 generic. It is rather in deference to the usual practice than from 

 conviction of their real existence that some of the following sub- 

 families are adopted. The characters given do not always apply 

 to birds not found in India. 



No ambiens muscle, oil-gland, or intestinal 

 caeca ; tarsus shorter than the middle 

 toe without claw ; 14 tail-feathers ; 

 general coloration light green, a con- 

 spicuous yellow band on the greater 

 wing-coverts Treroninw, p. 3. 



No ambiens muscle or intestinal caeca ; oil- 

 gland present ; tarsus longer than middle 

 toe ; 14 tail-feathers ; plumage dull, 

 banded in parts. Size very small .... Geopdiino!, p. 51. 



Ambiens and oil-glnnd present, no caeca ; 

 tarsus shorter than middle toe : 14 tail- 

 feathers. Size large, exceeding that of [p. 18. 

 common pigeon Carpophagince, 



Ambiens and oil-gland present, no caeca; 

 tarsus longer than middle toe ; 12 tail- 

 feathers ; plumage with highly metallic 

 lustre ; long neck-hackles Caloewdincei, p. 24. 



Ambiens and oil-gland present, no caeca; 

 tarsus moderate ; 12 tail-feathers ; wing- 

 coverts and back only metallic green ; 

 no neck-hackles Phabince, p. 26. 



Ambiens, oil-gland, and caeca present ; tarsus 

 variable ; 12 tail-feathers ; no neck- 

 hackles Columbine?, p. 28. 



Subfamily TRERONIN^E. 



These are the Green Pigeons of India, and may be at once 

 recognized by their yellowish-green plumage, often with patches of 

 lilac or chestnut on the mantle. There is always a bright yellow 

 band, sometimes two, on the larger wing-coverts ; there are fourteen 

 tail-feathers ; the tarsus is considerably shorter than the middle toe 

 without claw, and has its upper portion covered with feathers. 

 The soles of the toes are much expanded, being considerablv 

 broader than the toes themselves. The short tarsus and broad 



B2 



