_Ectopistes_ Swainson, Zoological Journal III p. 362 (1827--Partim!
_Columba speciosa_ and _C. migratoria_ mentioned as types, but ten
years later the genus _Ectopistes_ was restricted to _C. migratoria_ by
the same author).
Tail very long and excessively cuneate, the central rectrices sharply
pointed. First primary of the wing longest. Tarsus very short, in front
half covered with feathers. Now, only the Passenger Pigeon is included in
this genus, while formerly the _Zenaidura carolinensis_ auct. used to be
associated with it.