Columba Linné 1758

Hume, Julian Pender, 2011, 3124, Zootaxa 3124, pp. 1-62 : 20

Genus Columba Linné 1758

Columba Linné, Syst. Nat. , ed.10,1, 1758, p.162. Type, by subsequent designation, Columba oenas Linné. ( Vigors, 1825) .

Etymology: From Latin columba, a pigeon or dove.

Diagnosis: Columba is distinguished from all other Mascarene species of pigeons by the following suite of characters: cranium, os lacrimale wide, fonticulus orbitocranialis large with large orbits; sternum, carina sterni large with comparatively reduced anterior projection, fenestra medialis present, foramen pneumaticum deep within a distinct groove, rostrum sterni triangular with spina interna slightly longer than spina externa; humerus, proportionately robust, expanded distal and proximal ends with processus supracondylaris dorsalis situated further proximally; femur, shaft proportionately robust and dorso-ventrally curved; tibiotarsus, robust but comparatively short; tarsometatarsus, lacks proximally directed crista medialis hypotarsi and comparatively short and robust.