Classification of the Collared Dove

Collared doves are several species of bird that are commonly recognized for the specific collar-like markings on the neck. These species are all closely related and classified scientifically into a number of groups that share common traits. On the most basic level, they are members of the animal kingdom, and as they have a spinal cord, are known as vertebrates.

  1. Genus

    • Collared doves belong to the scientific genus streptopelia, more commonly known as turtle doves. Species like the red-collared, African collared, Eurasian collared and white-winged collared doves belong to this genus. They tend to be slender-bodied birds with a distinct collar marking at the back of the neck. The genus does not just contain collared doves; it also includes species such as the turtle dove, red-eyed dove and the laughing dove that lack collar-like markings and tend to be more plain in color, with few markings.

    Subfamily

    • The doves belong to the scientific subfamily columbinae, more commonly known as typical doves and pigeons. The subfamily consists of almost 30 genera of doves and pigeons that are among the most recognizable and common. In addition to the well known turtle doves, the group includes pigeons, zebra pigeons, cuckoo doves, quail doves and nicobar pigeons. The birds in this subfamily can, in some cases, be colorful. One example is the Luzon bleeding heart, with its blood smear plumage on the chest.

    Family

    • The columbinae subfamily branches off from the main family columbidae, more commonly known as doves and pigeons. The other subfamilies in this family include tooth-billed pigeons, crowned pigeons, fruit doves and pheasant pigeons. This family encompasses more than 40 genera of doves and pigeons, including imperial pigeons, white tipped doves and island ground doves. More than 300 species of doves and pigeons are known to exist in this family and are found worldwide, except in the most polar regions.

    Order

    • The order to which collared doves belong is known as columbiformes and is also commonly called pigeons and doves. Two families are listed within this order: the pigeon and dove family, and the related raphus family. The raphus family consists of three now extinct species that include the dodo and two species of solitare birds.

    Class

    • Collared doves belong to the same scientific class as all bird species, aves. Birds all descend from a common ancestor and are recognizable as having feathers and wings, although some do not use the wings for flight. Birds also have beaks but no teeth and reproduce solely through laying eggs.