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General Information
 Description: The Crested Pigeon is a well built, solid pigeon
with a thin
black crest which is very noticeable. Most of its feathers are grey-brown,
becoming more pink underneath. The wings have black lines on them, and are
decorated with glossy green and purple patches. Its head is grey, with a
pinkish-red ring around the eye. If startled, this pigeon takes to the air
with a 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.
There
are only two Australian pigeon species that possess an erect crest. The
Spinifex Pigeon, (Geophapsplumifera), which is a lot smaller at 20 -
24 cm, than the Crested Pigeon which grows to between 30 and 35 cm and has
a cinnamon
coloured plumage and a bright red facial patch. The much larger Topknot
Pigeon grows to between 40 and 46 cm and has a shaggy, reddish brown drooping topknot.
Voice:
The call of the Crested Pigeon sounds like a "Whoo-Whoo" sound which
starts soft and gets louder.
 Habitat: The
Crested Pigeon likes to live in woodlands and farms and beside the road as
well in suburban areas. It likes to be near water as it needs to drink every
day. It is not found in thicker bushland.
Food:
The
Crested Pigeon eats mostly native
seeds, as well as those of introduced crops and
weeds but it also eats some
leaves and insects as well. The pigeons gather to feed in small to large
groups, which also congregate to drink at waterholes. Birds arrive somewhat
nervously in nearby trees, and often sit for long periods before coming down
to drink. Drinking and feeding are most common in morning and evening, but
can occur at any time.
Breeding:
Crested Pigeons may breed at any time of the year, but mostly from September
to March. The nest is a
delicate structure of twigs, placed in a tree or dense bush. Both male and
female share the incubation of the two eggs, and both care for the young.
The young birds hatch after about three weeks and leave the nest after a
further three weeks.
Reference: Information - Australian Museum Fact Sheet
http://www.austmus.gov.au/factsheets/crested_pigeon.htm
Photos
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© G. Crew, 2003
Some information and pictures were taken from children's charts and
where credited to that child does not claim to be original information.
Where possible, permission to reproduce has been sought and ownership
credited. Any infringement of copyright is purely unintentional and
ownership of pictures and information used is freely acknowledged.
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