Columbimorphae is a
clade discovered by genome analysis that includes birds of the orders
Columbiformes (pigeons and doves),
Pterocliformes (sandgrouse), and
Mesitornithiformes (mesites).[2][3] Previous analyses had also recovered this grouping,[4][5][6] although the exact relationships differed. Some studies indicated a sister relationship between sandgrouse and pigeons (the traditional view)[5][7][8] while other studies favored a sister grouping of mesites and sandgrouse instead.[6]
^Gibb, Gillian C.; Penny, David (2010). "Two aspects along the continuum of pigeon evolution: A South-Pacific radiation and the relationship of pigeons within Neoaves". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 56 (2): 698–706.
doi:
10.1016/j.ympev.2010.04.016.
PMID20399870.