Columbina (genus)
Rosttäubchen ( Columbina talpacotti )
Columbina is a genus of pigeons birds belonging to the subfamily of small American pigeons. The genus is generally seven types are attributed that are native to North, Central and South America. It has not yet been secured, whether the two species of the genus Scardafella to Columbina are expected.
Appearance
Columbina doves are small birds. The Zwergtäubchen only reaches a body length of 15 centimeters. The Sperlingstäubchen is 16.5 inches only slightly larger. This is roughly the size of a sparrow. Most of the remaining species are slightly larger and reach the body size of a starling.
As characteristic for American small pigeons their shape is compact. The feathers are missing flashy colors. Gray and brown tones with black spots and feather hems predominate.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution of Columbina extends south from North America via Central America and the islands of the Caribbean to Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. The northernmost distribution area has the Sperlingstäubchen that settled in the United States, the Atlantic and Gulf coast from the south of South Carolina to the southeast Texas. On the west coast the type also occurs in California. In the interior and the southern Arizona is populated.
The individual species colonize open areas with trees and shrubs, savanna, barren land, secondary forest and cultivated land. Some species have also opened up the human settlement areas and occur in gardens and parks.
Behavior
Columbina types hold mainly for foraging and for sunbathing on the ground. However, you trees on for resting and sleeping. Her nest is located in trees and shrubs. The clutch includes two eggs. Not all species the reproductive habits in the field are examined more closely. Incubation period at the exact study species is 11 to 14 days. The nestling period is between ten and 18 days. Among the species with a very short nestling period is one of the South American Picuitäubchen. 18 days, however, takes the nestling period at the Zwergtäubchen.
Species
The following species are usually counted among the Columbina:
- Sperlingstäubchen (C. passerina )
- Zwergtäubchen (C. minuta )
- Buckleytäubchen (C. buckleyi )
- Rosttäubchen (C. talpacoti )
- Picuitäubchen (C. Picui )
- Perutäubchen (C. cruziana )
- Blauaugentäubchen (C. cyanopis )