COLUMBA. 395 



Genus COLUMBA. 



The genus Columba was included by Linnaeus in the 12th edition of his 

 ' Systema Naturae' published in 1766 (i. p. 282). It is impossible to guess 

 which species Linnaeus considered typical. The first species mentioned by 

 him, the Rock-Dove (his Columba cenas), has been generally admitted to be 

 the type. 



Ornithologists have not yet succeeded in discovering any structural 

 characters by which the Pigeons may be grouped into natural genera. 

 The species in the genus Columba are distinguished by their moderately 

 short and nearly square tails, consisting of twelve feathers, moderately 

 stout bills, and by the prevailing slate-grey colour of the plumage, 'which 

 is glossed with metallic tints. The wings are moderately long and pointed. 

 The tarsus is very short and stout, scutellated in front, finely reticulated 

 behind, and the upper portion is feathered. 



There are about fifty species in this genus. Twenty of these are found 

 on the American continent, and are somewhat aberrant in their coloration, 

 and may possibly be generically distinct. Of the species found in the Old 

 World, half belong only to the Ethiopian Region, and the remaining half 

 are distributed in the Palaearctic and Oriental Regions. Three only are 

 found in Europe, all of which are residents in the British Islands. 



The birds in this genus breed both in rocks and forests, but they are in 

 the habit of wandering sometimes for a considerable distance into the open 

 country to feed. Their flight is straight and powerful, and on the ground 

 they walk or run with ease. Their notes are very monotonous. Their food 

 consists principally of grain, tender shoots, &c. They build slight flat 

 nests, and lay two white eggs. 



