Columbinae is a group with more than 80 species of medium-sized pigeons. Columba is the largest genus, including the rock pigeon (Columba livia), the domesticated pigeon (Columba livia domestica), the common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) and the snow pigeon (Columba leuconota). Other genera in this subfamily include Macropygia, with nine living species, and Patagioenas, which are New World pigeons. Once abundant in North America, the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) is extinct since early 20th century.
The subfamily Leptotilinae include the genus Zenaida, with some species native to North America. These birds are generally smaller than the domesticated pigeon, and have rounder tails. The genus Leptotila include several endangered species, such as Leptotila battyi, which is endemic to Panama. Commonly called quail-doves, members of the genus Geotrygon are found in the West Indies, Central and South America. Columbina is the largest genus in the Columbininae subfamily. Columbina passerina is a species found in Southern areas of North America.
Imperial pigeons (Ducula) are members of the subfamily Treroninae, with more than 30 species. They often have light-colored heads, necks and underparts, contrasting with dark wings and back. The genus Ptilinopus includes about 50 species, generally found in woodlands of Southeast Asia and Australia. Some species show vibrant plumage, often in shades of red, pink, purple, green and yellow. Several species are likely to be extinct in the wild.
The pheasant pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis) is a large species found in New Guinea. It has red to brown plumage and it is the only species of the subfamily Otidiphabinae. The tooth-billed or Samoan pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris) has chestnut and iridescent dark-green feathers and red feet and bill. This species is endemic to Samoa and threatened of extinction. Native of New Guinea, the subfamily Gourinae include three species of crowned pigeons, the largest in the pigeon family. Crowned pigeons have blue plumage, red eyes and elaborate crests.