Crested Pigeon

The Crested Pigeon, Ocyphaps lophotes, is a bird found throughout mainland Australia except for far north tropical regions. The habitat is grasslands, brush and wooded areas, but can also be seen at watercourses, gardens, sports grounds and golf courses.

The length of the Crested Pigeon varies from 12 to 13.6 inches. Their coloration is gray with tinges of brown. It has a slender, feathered black spike on top of the head. When running, the crest is erect. There is a bright orange ring around each eye. Wings have black stripes and are bronzed, while the primary feathers are colorful with brown, purple, blue and green. Young birds have duller colors with no wing bronzing.

While they breed throughout the year, it is more common in the warmer months. Nesting usually occurs in shrubs or trees. Nests usually consist of a platform of twigs. They lay two oval, white and glossy eggs. They are generally sedentary. Although can be seen in pairs but they can be highly social and tend to be seen in packs. They are highly gregarious birds when in contact with humans.

Their most distinctive behavior is the beating and whistling sound their wings make when they take off. This is most likely to draw the attention of predators to birds on the wing, and away from any birds remaining on the ground.

The Crested Pigeon forages for grain and has adapted to grain farming areas. It often feeds on the noxious weed of Salvation Jane.