Genus GEOPELIA.

This genus contains five species, of which but one is represented in India, Geopelia striata. This little bird is in all its external characters, as well as in its voice, habits, etc., very closely allied to the true Doves, and it is well placed by Blanford after the Barred Cuckoo-Doves, with which it has many external characters in common.

It is a small bird with partly barred plumage. The first quill is greatly attenuated over the terminal third, and the third quill is longest, the wing itself being short and well rounded.   The sexes are alike.