ScienceAugust 16, 2026

columbiforms

kuh-LUM-bi-formz

Definition

A taxonomic order of birds that includes pigeons and doves.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'columba' meaning 'pigeon' or 'dove,' combined with the suffix '-form' meaning 'having the form or shape of,' indicating a bird with characteristics typical of that family.

In the news

The article uses the term to compare the dodo's visual anatomy to its living relatives, noting that the dodo's brain structure differed from typical members of the columbiform group.

Scientists have reconstructed the dodo's brain from CT scans of its skull and found an oversized smell centre and forward-facing, owl-like eyes — the bird that became shorthand for stupidity appears to have been navigating Mauritius by nose, and in the dark

Read the full article ↗

ScienceBlog.com

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