Sub-fam. Turturinae, Bonap.
Feet fitted for walking on the ground; tail somewhat lengthened (typically), rounded or graduated, and with pale tips to the outer feathers; of delicate make, with small heads; neck usually without the iridescent play of the Columbinae, but frequently adorned with neck-spots as in the Palumbinae, or with rings.
The Doves are a well marked group, albeit devoid of any strongly marked technical distinctions, the chief of which appears to be the form of the tail. They have, however, a marked physiognomy, and form a very natural group. Their colours are usually pale, as compared with Pigeons. They mostly feed on the ground on grain, pulse, and other small seeds, and are not, in general, gregarious, though large numbers may be seen feeding together. They chiefly frequent open and cultivated country, a few preferring highly wooded or forest districts; and many are very familiar birds, feeding close to houses and stables. They breed on low trees, or shrubs, constructing the usual slight platform nest, and they breed at all seasons of the year. They are confined to the Old World. The Asiatic species, distributed in one genus, are divided into two by Bonaparte.
Feet fitted for walking on the ground; tail somewhat lengthened (typically), rounded or graduated, and with pale tips to the outer feathers; of delicate make, with small heads; neck usually without the iridescent play of the Columbinae, but frequently adorned with neck-spots as in the Palumbinae, or with rings.
The Doves are a well marked group, albeit devoid of any strongly marked technical distinctions, the chief of which appears to be the form of the tail. They have, however, a marked physiognomy, and form a very natural group. Their colours are usually pale, as compared with Pigeons. They mostly feed on the ground on grain, pulse, and other small seeds, and are not, in general, gregarious, though large numbers may be seen feeding together. They chiefly frequent open and cultivated country, a few preferring highly wooded or forest districts; and many are very familiar birds, feeding close to houses and stables. They breed on low trees, or shrubs, constructing the usual slight platform nest, and they breed at all seasons of the year. They are confined to the Old World. The Asiatic species, distributed in one genus, are divided into two by Bonaparte.
