Streptopelia ( Tekukur ) in Malaysia

Columbidae is a bird family consisting of pigeons and doves. It is the only family in the order Columbiformes. These are stout-bodied birds with short necks, and short slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and plants. The family occurs worldwide, but the greatest variety is in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms.

The family contains 344 species divided into 50 genera. 13 of the species are extinct.

 In English, the smaller species tend to be called "doves" and the larger ones "pigeons".   The distinction is not consistent, however, and does not exist in most other languages.

Streptopelia is a genus of birds in the pigeon and dove family Columbidae.  The genera Spilopelia and Nesoenas were formerly placed in Streptopelia, but have since been separated out.

Streptopelia contains 13 species.  S. tranquebarica and S.bitorquata are found in Malaysia.

Spilopelia contains 2 species.  Only S. chinensis is found in Malaysia.

Neosoenas contains 3 species, of whih one is now extinct.  None is found in Malaysia.

Pigeon ( Merpati ) in Malaysia

  

Columbidae is a bird family consisting of pigeons and doves. It is the only family in the order Columbiformes. These are stout-bodied birds with short necks, and short slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and plants. The family occurs worldwide, but the greatest variety is in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms.

The family contains 344 sapecies divided into 50 genera. 13 of the species are extinct. 

In English, the smaller species tend to be called "doves" and the larger ones "pigeons".   The distinction is not consistent, however, and does not exist in most other languages.

 

 

There are 35 species recognised in the genus of which 2 are extinct.  2 species are found in Malaysia : Columba livia domestica and Columba argentina. 

Wild rock doves ( Columba livia ) are pale grey with two black bars on each wing, whereas domestic and feral pigeons ( Columba livia domestica ) vary in colour and pattern.

 

Dove ( Merbuk ) of Malaysia

  

Columbidae is a bird family consisting of pigeons and doves. It is the only family in the order Columbiformes. These are stout-bodied birds with short necks, and short slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and plants. The family occurs worldwide, but the greatest variety is in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms.

The family contains 344 species divided into 50 genera. 13 of the species are extinct.

In English, the smaller species tend to be called "doves" and the larger ones "pigeons".   The distinction is not consistent, however, and does not exist in most other languages.

  

Geopelia is a genus of small, long-tailed doves in the family Columbidae. They are native to South-east Asia and Australasia and are most often found in open country and scrubland. They feed mainly on seeds which they find by foraging on the ground. They typically lay two eggs in a simple nest of twigs and grass. Their plumage is mostly greyish-brown with a pattern of spots or bars. The zebra dove and diamond dove are commonly kept in captivity.

The genus contains five species:

● Diamond dove, Geopelia cuneate ( Australia )

● Zebra dove, Geopelia striata ( S.E.Asia )

● Peaceful dove, Geopelia placida ( Australia, New Guinea )

● Barred dove, Geopelia maugeus ( Lesser Sunda Islands )

● Bar-shouldered dove, Geopelia humeralis ( Australia, New Guinea )

 

Only Zebra dove ( Geopelia striata ) are found in Malaysia.

The zebra dove is popular in captivity and many populations have appeared outside its native range due to birds escaping or being deliberately released. It can now be found in central Thailand, Laos, Borneo, Sulawesi, Hawaii (introduced in 1922), Tahiti (1950), New Caledonia, the Seychelles, the Chagos Archipelago (1960), Mauritius (before 1768), Réunion, and Saint Helena.

Their call is a series of soft, staccato cooing notes. They are popular as pets because of their calls and cooing competitions are held to find the bird with the best voice.