Description
The Pigeons and Doves are a common and widespread species of (mostly) herbivorous birds. They have a wide range in size, from very small songbirds to larger species, like the Crowned Pigeons. They have compact bodies, small legs and bills and are among the strongest fliers of all birds.
Distribution & Fossil evidence
The fossil record of the Pigeons and Doves is fairly scarce and there are no true primitive forms of the family discovered yet. The oldest members of the Columbidae-family are known from North America during the Early Miocene, but quickly after that they were found on many continents.
Species
There are many genera within the Columbidae-family, both extant as extinct.
Included genera
Raphus, Pezophaps
