I spotted a couple of Crested Pigeons loitering in the trees out front on Saturday, which raised my suspicions because they're a ground frequenting bird. Today those suspicions were confirmed when I caught one collecting nest building material.
I was also surprised to learn that they're one native species that has prospered from human development. They were once restricted to the arid interior and didn't occur on the coastal fringe, but as cities developed they colonised the parks and gardens. Firstly Adelaide, and then Perth and Brisbane, and eventually the south-eastern corner.
In hindsight, I don't recall them being in Melbourne when I first settled here in 1982.
They are really pretty birds. Lovely photos.
elizabeth