Columbids, members of the family Columbidae and the order Columbiformes, are a family of stout bodied birds consisting of doves and pigeons who play a big part in various cultures worldwide. They are likely the most common birds in the world.

Pigeons and doves exhibit considerable variation in size, however their general build tends to follow similar characteristics. Columbids overall are compact-bodied, with short legs and short necks, and short slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. Most Columbid plumage tends to be dull in color, however there are a few exceptions with extravagant and vibrant feathers. While in motion, they tend to bob their heads, which is most likely done in order to keep their vision constant.

Depending on the species, Columbids play distinct and specific roles within a variety of cultures. Doves are often used and seen as symbolic in religious contexts, often being associated with purity, love, and peace. Pigeons on the other hand, in many modern portrayals, are often associated with disease, compact city life, and animal pests in general, similar to (and often compared with) the modern portrayal of the rat.

General anatomy

• beak
• small_beak
• cere_(anatomy)
• feathers
• feathered_wings
• tail_feathers

Species

• dodo
• dove
• diamond_dove
• mourning_dove
• turtle_dove
• zebra_dove
• zenaida_dove
• pigeon
• common_pigeon
• crowned_pigeon
• victoria_crowned_pigeon
• domestic_pigeon
• fancy_pigeon
• fantail_pigeon
• lahore_pigeon
• lucerne_gold_collar
• homing_pigeon
• nicobar_pigeon
• passenger_pigeon
• speckled_pigeon

See also

• avian
• bird
• columbid