Bird of the Month: Crested Pigeon
This small pigeon species is easily recognisable by its sharp black crest and iridescent bronze colouring on its wings
The bird of the month is the Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes).
This small pigeon species is easily recognisable by its sharp black crest and iridescent bronze colouring on its wings.
Crested pigeons are common across all parts of mainland Australia and are particularly fond of open fields and grasslands, often in suburban areas. Here in the Illawarra, they are quite common around our local parklands.
While they are quite easy to identify visually, they also produce a unique shrill whistle with their wings when taking flight.
I photographed this individual at the main park at Stanwell Park. As there were not many people around on this overcast afternoon, the bird remained unbothered as I approached closely for a photo.
