Spinifex Pigeon

The Spinifex Pigeon, Geophaps plumifera, is a bird from Australia. There are two races, the White-bellied Spinifex Pigeon, Geophaps plumifera plumifera, which is permanently found in the arid areas of north western, northern, eastern and central Australia. The Red-bellied Spinifex Pigeon, Geophaps plumifera ferruginea is the second race, and can be permanently found the Pilbara, Western Australia.

The Spinifex Pigeon varies in size from 8 to 9.6 inches. Their plumage is rusty colored, which blends into the red soils of the arid regions of their habitat. They have a bright red facial patch around the eye with a ring of black and gray facial patches. They have black lines on their wings. Sexes are similar and are difficult to distinguish.

Generally they live in stony areas with low woodlands and spinifex grasses. They are nomadic and earthly. The pigeons are seed eaters and are dependent on waterholes recharged by wet season monsoon-like rains and showers. As the dry season progresses they concentrate around the ever decreasing water sources.

They are often found in pairs or groups. They breed in spring and summer or after rain. Two white eggs are laid in the shelter of a spinifex bush.