_Zenaida_, BONAPARTE, Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. (Type, _Columba
zenaida_, BP.)
GEN. CHAR. Bill black; the culmen about two fifths the rest of the head.
Tarsi a little shorter than the middle toe and claw, but considerably
longer than the lateral toes. Tarsus with broad scutellæ anteriorly,
those on the lower half bifid, making two hexagonal series. Inner
lateral toe a little the longer. Hind toe and claw as long as the inner
lateral without claw. Wings lengthened; second and third quills longest.
Tail short, about two fifths the wings, rounded or a little graduated.
Orbits feathered, especially anterior to the eye; the lids bare.
But one species of this genus belongs to our fauna, and this is probably
but an occasional visitor.
Zenaida amabilis, BONAP.