The olive pigeons are four allopatric species of pigeon, named for their association with olive (Olea) species.[1] They have a maroon tone to the speckled plumage, and inhabit cool, montane forests of Africa and its associated islands. Together with the speckled wood pigeon, they are seen as members of a superspecies,[2] which has affinities with the white-naped pigeon.

Notes

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  1. ^ The word "olive" in the English, German and some Afrikaans names of Columba arquatrix refers to a favoured food and not to the bird's colouring, see: Rowan, M. K. (1983). The Doves, Parrots, Louries and Cuckoos of Southern Africa. Cape Town, Johannesburg: David Philip. p. 26. ISBN 0-908396-66-X.
  2. ^ Goodwin, Derek (1967). Pigeons and Doves of the World. London: British Museum of Natural History.