The large
bird genus Columba comprises a group of medium to large stout-bodied
pigeons, often referred to as the
typical pigeons. The terms "dove" and "pigeon" are used indiscriminately for smaller and larger
Columbidae, respectively.
Columba species – at least those of
Columba sensu stricto – are generally termed "pigeons", and in many cases
wood-pigeons. The species commonly referred to just as "the pigeon" is the
feral pigeon (
C. livia domestica). It is derived from the
rock pigeon (
C. livia), which also has given rise to the majority of
domesticated pigeon breeds, such as the
racing pigeon. Meanwhile, "wood pigeon" by itself usually means the
common wood pigeon (
C. palumbus).