CHAR. Tarsi stout, lengthened; always longer than the lateral toes, and
entirely without feathers; the tibial joint usually denuded. Tarsus
sometimes with hexagonal scales anteriorly. Tail-feathers sometimes
fourteen.
This subfamily is readily distinguished from the preceding by the
longer and more denuded tarsi, the feet being much better fitted for a
terrestrial life. The following sections belong to it:—
=Zenaideæ.= Size moderate. Wings lengthened, acute, the primaries much
longer than the secondaries. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. A blackish
spot beneath the auriculars; tail-feathers tipped with white, and with
a blackish subterminal bar. Sides of the neck with a metallic gloss.
Bill lengthened, much depressed. A white patch on the wing; no black
spots on the scapulars; plumage ashy, lighter beneath. Tail of
twelve feathers, rounded …
_Melopelia._
Bill smaller, more compressed. No white patch on the wing; scapulars
with black spots. Above olivaceous, beneath vinaceous.