Macro- and Microstructural Features from the Feathers of Four Columbidae Species

Plumology is being used in a variety of avian research fields such as from ecology and evolution to prey-predator relationship. However, very few systematic studies have been conducted in India using plumology. The paper compares macro- and micro-structural feathers’ features from four species of family Columbidae viz. the Spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis), Grey-fronted green pigeon (Treron affinis), Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and Common pigeon (Columba livia) from different Indian localities. A morphometric analysis of the downy and contour feathers’ structures of the listed species was carried out. Since the feathers were taken from significantly damaged carcasses, it was necessary to determine the pterylae of the flying feathers to which the latter belong. Morphometric features of feathers viz. calamus, rachis, vane and mounted barb length were measured. An atypical for Columbidae feature presence of villi has been observed but only for T. affinis species. The presence of typical pigmented quadrilobed nodes was noted in all Columbidae species. Pigmented and non-pigmented plain pronged nodes and plain swollen nodes were observed. The presence of three different nodes on barbules and nodes’ pigmentation may be considered as key taxonomic characteristics for studied Columbidae species. The feather comparison method made it possible to identify pterylae of studied feathers.