Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae)

 

The Columbidae contains ca. 40 genera and 310 species. They are distributed worldwide, including many oceanic islands, but are absent from the polar regions. The highest diversity is found in South and South-East Asia, and Melanesia. Pigeons and doves inhabit forests, savannas, grasslands, deserts, and mangroves. Some species have adapted to man-modified areas. Columbids are stout-bodied birds with short slender bills, short necks and legs, and wide, powerful wings. Their flight is among the strongest of all birds. Doves and pigeons build flimsy stick nests in trees, shrubs, cacti, ledges, or the ground. Clutch size is 1-2 eggs; incubation 14-19 days. The young leave the nest after 7-28 days. The Columbidae feed primarily on fruit, seeds and nuts. The young are fed by "crop milk", secreted from the lining of the crop.

 

		Ruddy Quail-Dove (Geotrygon montana)
		Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)
		Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro)
		Plumbeous Pigeon (Patagioenas plumbea)
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