The order Columbiformes is known to consist of two major which are the pigeons and the doves which together make up the family Columbdae. Another less known member is the dodos (Raphidae) which used to inhabit the Indian Ocean. The order Columbiformes consists of a group of arboreal as well as terrestrial birds with many anatomical and physiological features that make them stand out from the rest.

Physical characteristics
The only surviving family in the order Columbiformes is the family Columbdae. Generally, these birds have compact bodies and are of varying body sizes. The smallest- the Australian Diamond dove weighs roughly 1.1 oz. or 30grams while the largest- the Victorian pigeon which is found in Papua , New Guinea, weighs 3.7-6.6 lb which translates to around 1.7-3 kilograms. On average, the sexes are just similar but the only difference is that the males have slightly larger bodies. They also have a lot of similarities in body forms although some species are known to resemble quails, small turkeys or partridges. In Papua Guinea, the pheasant pigeon not only looks like a pheasant but also acts like it, a fact that has made the locals to consider it like a megapode and not a pigeon at all.

They have broad wings that are usually rounded at the tips which make the pigeons strong direct flyers. Although they can ably glide and most of the time includes this into flight display, they do not soar. They have more wing muscles as in comparison to the normal birds. Their wings have 11 primary feathers but the first wing is much reduced. In addition, they have 10-15 secondary feathers. The primary ones are modified and become narrowed in their outer sections but this is not usually visible to many people while they are in flight. Their body feathers are inimitable in that they do not normally have aftershaft although the small ones may be observed on some tail feathers and wings. The very dense fluffy base of the body feathers which are loosely attached to the skin is an adaptation that is meant to make them avoid predators.

A majority of pigeons have short weak bills, with a tip that is typically expanded and covered with cere- a structure which is brightly colored and cushion-like. Doves have short legs with hexagonal or rounded scales at the back and the on the sides.

Geographic range
Members of this order, mostly the doves and the pigeons, colonize most parts of the world with an exception of Arctic and Antarctic regions. Specifically, large numbers of these birds are found in the tropical forests particularly places near the Indian and the Pacific Ocean. Over 60% of the birds making these families are to be found colonizing small islands far away from continental land masses.

Habitat
Although the members making up this order live in most habitats, most species have a tendency to live in forests. Some tropical doves and pigeons are terrestrial, living in ground while others occupy cliff faces.