Bird of the Month: Topknot pigeon

The bird of the month for January is the Topknot Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus), a unique-looking large pigeon species occurring along the eastern coast of Australia.

This species is frequently seen in large flocks feeding on fruiting trees high in the canopy. In the Illawarra region, they favour forested areas around the escarpment and flocks can often be seen speeding across the sky.

For a closer view, watch for them feeding in smaller fruiting palms or trees with lower canopies. One such stretch of trees can be found on the University of Wollongong campus, where I was fortunate to spot this bird feeding almost at eye level.

Unbothered by my presence, it seems these local birds are accustomed to the steady flow of people around the campus.