Crested Pigeon on nest.
Photo: M Seyfort © Australian Museum
Crested Pigeons. Image from: John Gould (1804-81) The birds of Australia 1840-48. 7 vols. 600 plates Artists: J. Gould and E. Gould; Lithographer: E. Gould.
Photo: Research Library © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Ocyphaps lophotes
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Crested Pigeon
Scientific name: Ocyphaps lophotes
Family: Columbidae
Order: Columbiformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Crested Pigeon is a stocky pigeon with a conspicuous thin black crest. Most of the plumage is grey-brown, becoming more pink on the underparts. The wings are barred with black, and are decorated with glossy green and purple patches. The head is grey, with an pinkish-red ring around the eye. If startled, this pigeon takes to the air with a characteristic whistling flight, and glides with down turned wings. The whistling sound is produced by the air passing over a modified primary feather on the wing. Upon landing, the pigeon swings its tail high in the air.
Similar species
The Crested Pigeon is one of only two Australian pigeons that possess an erect crest. The Spinifex Pigeon, Geophaps plumifera, markedly smaller (20 cm - 24 cm) than the Crested Pigeon, has cinnamon coloured plumage and a bright red facial patch. The much larger (40 cm - 46 cm) Topknot Pigeon, Lopholaimus antarcticus, has a shaggy, reddish brown drooping topknot.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Crested Pigeon is native to Australia and is common throughout most of the mainland.
Habitat
The Crested Pigeon is found in lightly wooded grasslands in both rural and urban areas. It is usually found in the vicinity of water, as it has to drink every day, and is absent from the denser forests.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Crested Pigeon's diet consists mostly of native seeds, as well as those of introduced crops and weeds. Some leaves and insects are also eaten. Feeding is in small to large groups, which also congregate to drink at waterholes. Birds arrive in nearby trees, and often sit for long periods before descending to drink. Drinking and feeding are most common in morning and evening, but can occur at any time.
Breeding
The Crested Pigeon builds a delicate nest of twigs, placed in a tree or dense bush. Both sexes share the incubation of the eggs, and both care for the young.
References
Crome, F. and Shields, J. 1992. Parrots and Pigeons of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.