Spilopelia
is a genus of doves that are closely related to Streptopelia, yet distinguished
from them by differences in morphology and behavior. Some authors have argued
that Stigmatopelia is the valid name as it appears in an earlier line although also
erected by Sundevall, but Schodde and Mason in their zoological catalogue of
Australian birds chose Spilopelia citing clause 24(b) of the ICZN Code which
supports the decision of the first reviser.
The genus
includes just two species:
- Spilopelia chinensis – spotted dove
- Spilopelia senegalensis – laughing dove