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Crested Pigeons (mated pair)
Ocyphaps lophotes
-27.4493, 153.101
Field Notes
Description:
Ocyphaps lophotes, commonly known as the crested pigeon and top notch pigeon, is a bird found widely throughout mainland Australia (except for the far northern tropical areas). It is the only member of the genus Ocyphaps. Plumage is grey with tinges of brown and green. It has a feathered but slender, black spike on top of the head. They run with the crest erect... which always amuses me! Here's a spotting of a pair involved in a courtship ritual.... https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/1056526026
Habitat:
Found in grasslands, brush and wooded areas but they can also be seen at watercourses, homestead gardens, pastoral areas, sports grounds, and golf courses. They are common in urban areas. This pair was spotted sitting in a garden at the Metroplex on Gateway estate in Murarrie, Brisbane.
Notes:
These two were sitting quietly side-by-side preening each other. Not too long before they do the 'wild thing' and little chicks appear. I really like these bird. They're quiet and totally inoffensive, and I think they're quite beautiful. The flight feathers are really colourful and in the right light they're iridescent. NB: The last photo in this series shows the coloured feathers. One of the same individuals but spotted on a different day.
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