Although the Barbary dove is normally assigned its own systematic name, as Streptopelia risoria, considerable doubt exists as to its appropriate classification.

Some sources assert confidently that it is a domesticated form of the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto), but the majority of evidence points to it being a domesticated form of the African collared dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea).

[1] Barbary doves are easily kept and long-lived in captivity, living for up to 12 years.

[3] In recent years they have been used extensively in biological research, particularly into the hormonal bases of reproductive behaviour, because their sequences of courtship, mating and parental behaviour have been described accurately and are highly consistent in form.

This class of muscles is usually found in high speed tissue such as a rattlesnake's tail.