COLUMBA, a genus of birds belonging t,o the family Columbidre and order Gemitores. C. inter media, C. rupestris, C. leuconota, occur in India, C. aromatica, C. coronata, and C. carpopliaga have been referred to other genera. The most e,ommon in India is the— Columba intermeclia, the blue pigeon or pagoda pigeon.
C. livia, Myth.
Kabutar, . . . HIND. I Kovil pore, . TAM.
Parivi, . . . Gudi Dural, . . TEL.
They congregate in large numbers, and breed wherever they can find suitable spots, on pagodas, mosques, and tombs. The Indian blue pigeon differs from the C. livia of Europe, North Asia to Japan, and N. Africa, only in having an ash coloured instead of a pure white rump. The C. livia of Europe, or rock-pigeon, with its sub speeie,s, is the parent form of all domesticated pigeons. Of these there are at least 150 varietie.s, in four groups.
The first group consisting of the German, Dutch, and English pouters.
A second group includes the Kali-par, Mnrassa, Bussora, dragon, and Eng,lish carrier ; the Baga dot lien, Scanderoon pigeon, cygne rients, the Tronfo, and the Bank.
The third group includes the Java and English fantail, the Turbit and African owl ; the Persian Loftin ; common and short-faced tumblers ; the Indian frill-back and jacobin.
The fourth group includes the dovecot pigeon, swallow, spot, nun, English frill-back, laugher, and trumpeter.
Dr. Jerdon thus arranges the Gemitores or pigeons, syn. Columbre, Latham:— - Pam. Treronithe.
Sublant. Green pigeons ; genera, Treron, Crocopus, Osmotrcron, Sphenocercus.
Sublum. Carpophaginze, fruit pigeons ; genus, Car Pophaga.
Fam. Columbidai.
Subicon. Palumbinte, wood pigeons ; genera, Also comus, Palinnbus, Palumbcena, Columba.
Sub-fam. DEacropyginre, Cuckoo doves ; genus, Maccro PYgin.
&Warn. Turturin:e, turtle-doves ; genus, Turtur.
Sublam. Couridoe, ground doves.
Sublam. Phapime, ground doves ; genus, Calcophaps Indicus.
Pigeons, doves, and turtles are abundant in Southern Asia and the Indian Archipelago. — .Terdon; Blyth; Darwin.