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 subfamilies 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 conspicuous yellow band on the greater wing-coverts………………………Treroninae, p. 3.
No ambiens muscle or intestinal c»ca; oil-gland present; tarsus longer than middle toe ; 14 tail-feathers ; plumage dull, banded in parts. Size very small………………………Geopeliinae p. 51.
Ambiens and oil-gland present, no caeca; tarsus shorter than middle toe : 14 tail-feathers. Size large, exceeding that of……………………… [p. 18. common pigeon Carpophaginae,
Ambiens and oil-gland present, no caeca; tarsus longer than middle toe ; 12 tail-feathers ; plumage with highly metallic lustre ; long neck-hackles………………………Calaenadinae, p. 24.
Ambiens and oil-gland present, no caeca; tarsus moderate; 12 tail-feathers ; wing-
coverts and back only metallic green; no neck-hackles………………………Phabinae, p. 26.
Ambiens, oil-gland, and caeca present; tarsus variable ; 12 tail-feathers ; no neck-
hackles………………………Columbinae, p. 28.
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