Pigeons

White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela)

The White-headed Pigeon always looks a little drab and dirty to me. They are very shy and only found on the east coast. Their off-white head and breast is backed with dark grey. They always have a bright red eye. At a glance they may be mistaken for the Pied Imperial-Pigeon which are more gregarious and common when they are present.

Torresian Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula spilorrhoa)

The Pied Imperial-Pigeon is also known as the Torresian Imperial-Pigeon reflecting its tropical preferences. It can be found in northern areas of Australia and some are resident while others migrate to and from locations north of Australia. They are largely white with black wing tips and tail. 

Topknot Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus)

The Topknot Pigeon is the most unusual bird within this group. They are only usually seen flying overhead in groups. It is a birders dream to see them while feeding. Topknots are large grey pigeons with a bright red eye and pink bill. Adults are alike and they have a large, floppy crest that is grey in the front and a rufous brown at the back. They are a very odd bird and only found in the canopy of dense rainforests on the east coast.

Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes)

The Crested Pigeon is probably the most common species of pigeon and is widespread across Australia. It is a pale grey/blue colour with interesting patterning on the wings along with iridescent patches reminiscent of the bronzewings. The bright eye and pointed crest make them easy to identify.

Spinifex Pigeon (Geophaps plumifera)

The Spinifex Pigeon is probably my favourite of this group. It is found across northern Australia in arid patches. They are ground feeding and so are often seen scurrying around. Where human presence overlaps with their territory, they are quite tolerant and not shy. There are several sub-species, all with varying amounts of brown on the breast. They all have the unique markings on the face and a long and pointed crest.

Squatter Pigeon (Geophaps scripta)

The Squatter Pigeon wins the award for most charismatic pigeon. It is happy to co-exist with humans and runs around making a very gentle and delicious coo-ing. It prefers drier areas of Queensland and sometimes is seen in northern NSW. Easily identifiable, the Squatter Pigeon has unmistakable black and white stripes on the face and an orange eye ring.

Wonga Pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca)

The best thing about the exotic plumage of these pigeons is that it makes them so easy to identify. Then you can just enjoy watching them. The Wonga Pigeon is no exception with a unique grey and white pattern. This pigeon is also found on eastern coasts but further south than the others from Brisbane down to the south coast. 

Partridge Pigeon (Geophaps smithii)

The Partridge Pigeon looks a lot like the Squatter pigeon in that it is also a medium-sized pigeon and usually seen on the ground. It prefers open woodland roadsides environments and as you can see from the map above, is found in northwestern Northern Territory and the northern Kimberley in Western Australia. 

The body is plain brown with some white on the breast and wings. The facial patterns, akin to the Squatter Pigeon, are striking - red in the Northern Territory subspecies and yellow in Western Australia. 

White-quilled Rock-Pigeon (Petrophassa albipennis)

The White-quilled Rock-Pigeon is a beautiful, gentle pigeon. It is only found within the sandstone cliffs of the Kimberly and Victoria areas of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It is a large bird with brown plumage that seem to sparkle. The white quills only show in flight or when the bird lifts its body. For a very rare bird, it can be found easily within the right environment.

Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon (Petrophassa rufipennis)

Cousin to the White-quilled, the Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon has more pronounced white flecks on its dark brown feathers. It too, is found only in sandstone areas but this time, in the Kakadu area of the Northern Territory. During the day it sits on top of the cliffs but it can also be found on the sandy ground in the morning and evening.