FAMILY NAME: Columbidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ocyphaps lophotes SUBSPECIES: possibly one other, "whitloki".
SIZE: 30 to 34cm. (12" to 14") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Originally this species was restricted to the inland and in Western Australia, but now found across the continent. It is absent in isolated pockets in the far north, Tasmania and in most of Victoria.
BREEDING: Breeding season is fairly open, but mainly in the springtime and in summer. Usually laying 2 eggs. Their nests consist of a small platform in a bush or tree, constructed from sticks. Both parents incubate the eggs, and care for the young.
GENERAL: Sometimes called the "Topknot" pigeon. These birds make a metallic/whistling sound with their wings, when in flight. They inhabit almost any open habitat (near water), but avoid densely forested areas. Seed eaters, they feed mostly on the ground
References:
Michael Morecombe.
Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day.
The Birds of Australia.M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly.
The Atlas of Australian Birds.Birds in Backyards.
www.birdsinbackyards.netGraham Pizzey - Frank Knight.
The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia.
