Ocyphaps lophotes

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Family

Columbidae

Genus

Ocyphaps

Species

lophotes

Common Names

Crested Pigeon, Topknot Pigeon, Crested Bronzewing

Distinguishing Features

The Crested Pigeon is named appropriately for the long, dark, fine pointed crest that sits upright on its grey head. It is 31-35cm in size, of mostly grey-brown plumage. A red ring surrounds the eyes; the legs are deep pink and the wings are touched with iridescent green and purple, black stripes and white tips.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A musical 'whoo' building to a strong 'whoo-whoo-whoo'.

Similar Species

The Rock Dove (Columba livia ) is another common pigeon species, however it lacks the distinctive crest.

Distribution

The Crested Pigeon is common over most of Australia's mainland.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Numbers rose dramatically in past years in response to the clearing of thick vegetation and have now reached a fairly stable level.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Turner and Civic West had the highest number of birds, with no sightings at BMt, BMP or NMA.

Associated vegetation community

The species prefers semi-dry regions of lightly wooded grasslands  near urban or rural areas. They are common to suburban gardens.

Limiting Resources

Crested Pigeons require a reliable water source in their fairly dry habitat and readily available grass seeds. The cleared environment of scattered trees for roosting and nesting is ideal.

Breeding

Males preform breeding displays almost all year round, while actual nest activity takes place from late September to late March. A nest of twigs is made in a thick shrub or tree. Both males and females care for their two eggs over 21 days of incubation and 21 days in the nest, with the number of dependant young peaking in December in the Canberra region.

Behaviour

The species is conspicuous for the whistling sound it makes while in flight. It is very approachable and is often seen perched on power lines in the suburbs, fanning its tail vertically. They are usually seen in groups of five or six, however they will congregate in large groups around waterholes.

Functional Group

Granivorous

Food Species

The Crested Pigeon feeds mostly on native or introduced grass seeds, although it will occasionally eat some leaves or insects. The birds feed in small to large groups and also come together to drink from waterholes in rural areas.

Predators

This common bird and its young are prone to attacks from European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus).

Interesting Fact

A whistling sound is produced when the Crested Pigeon is in flight by the air passing over a modified primary feather on the wing.