Crested Pigeon
Place to admire: Tropical Paradise
Scientific name: Ocyphaps lophotes
IUCN-status: Least concern
Habitat
The Crested Pigeon is an endemic species of Australia. Endemic means that an animal only lives in the wild in a particular country or area. The Crested Pigeon occurs tropical and subtropical dry grasslands and scrublands, dry savannas, inland wetlands with fresh water sources and oases. This bird species is also found in man-made areas, including building lands, rural gardens and urban environments.
Appearance
The Crested Pigeon has a size of 31 to 36 centimeters. This bird species has a distinctive thin and black crest. Most of the plumage is grayish brown. On the lower wings are more pink feathers. On the wings you can see more black blocks with decorations of shiny, green and purple spots. The head contains a gray color. The ring around the eye has a pinkish-red color.
Diet
The Crested Pigeon is a herbivore. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, leaves, herbs and grasses. In addition, this bird species occasionally feeds on small numbers of Insects and other invertebrates.
Natural behavior
The Crested Pigeon is active during the day. Half an hour after sunrise, the flock departs towards a pond. A flock consists of 5 to 6 individuals. When there is a drought, large swarms may arrive at water holes to forage.