Pied Imperial-Pigeon
Pied Imperial-pigeon in walk through aviary at Adelaide Zoo
The beautiful Pied Imperial-pigeon is found in the mangroves, rainforests and woodlands of coastal northern Australia. I haven’t been birding in that part of Australia yet, so I was pleased to get these good photos of the species in one of the walk-through aviaries at Adelaide Zoo recently.
These pigeons are commuters. They nest and roost on the islands of northern Australia and daily commute to the mainland to feed on fruit in the rainforests and mangroves. They nest in the mangrove trees of the islands. They are also present in PNG and Indonesia. Many populations of these pigeons are also migratory, moving between Australia, PNG and Indonesia.
Further reading:
- Adelaide zoo website
- Pigeons and doves – archived articles about pigeons and doves
- Pizzey, G, The field guide to the birds of Australia.
Pied Imperial-pigeon in walk through aviary at Adelaide Zoo
White-headed Pigeon
White-headed Pigeon, walk-through aviary, Adelaide Zoo
The White-headed Pigeon is found along coastal Queensland and New South Wales in tropical and sub-tropical rainforests and scrubland. I know very little about this species because I’ve never seen it in its natural environment. One day I’ll make it to Queensland and see it.
In the meantime, I have to be satisfied with these photos taken in the walk-through aviary at Adelaide Zoo. It’s certainly a beautiful bird.
White-headed Pigeon, walk-through aviary, Adelaide Zoo
White-headed Pigeon, walk-through aviary, Adelaide Zoo
Rock Doves, Laratinga Wetlands
Rock Dove, Laratinga Wetlands, South Australia
Feral Pigeons – also called Rock Doves – are an introduced species of bird in Australia. In fact, they have been introduced to most of the world. I haven’t been to many overseas cities but I am aware that this dove is very common in most urban areas of the world. They are certainly very common in cities and town throughout much of Australia, and their range is constantly growing.
Along some coastal areas here in South Australia they breed in large numbers – often in the 1000s – along the coastal cliffs. Town and city buildings also play host to hundreds of birds and can cause severe problems with their droppings.
This small group of about a half dozen appear to have taken up residence in this large eucalyptus tree in the Laratinga Wetlands in Mt Barker, South Australia. The only place they could be nesting is in the many hollows in the large trees. In this way they are are pest species, taking up hollows that would otherwise be used by parrots, owls and animals like possums.
Rock Dove, Laratinga Wetlands, South Australia
Bar-shouldered Dove
Bar-shouldered Dove, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
Bar-shouldered Doves can be found in eastern and northern Australia. Sadly I’ve only ever seen this beautiful species in the natural environment on one occasion – nearly 30 years ago in northern NSW. I need to get out and travel a little more! The above photo was taken in a walk through aviary at the Adelaide Zoo (click the image to enlarge).
This species is found in a variety of habitats, including subtropical scrublands, eucalyptus woodlands, gorges and gullies, near creeks and swamps and even in gardens with plenty of trees. Like many other species of pigeons and doves, they make a flimsy platform of a few sticks which serves somehow as a nest.
Further reading:
- Flock Bronzewing Pigeon
- Spotted Turtledove nesting
- Peaceful dove in our garden
- Great birding moments – Crested Pigeon
Flock Bronzewing pigeon
Flock Bronzewing pigeon, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
The Flock Bronzewing is a pigeon found in the inland grasslands of Australia. They can be found in the northern parts of Western and South Australia, the Northern Territory inland Queensland and northern NSW. They were once found in large flocks numbering in the thousands but almost became extinct due to habitat loss. In more recent years they seem to have recovered a little.
This is one species of Australian birds that I have not yet seen in the natural environment. The photo above was taken through the wire of one of the aviaries at the Adelaide Zoo.
For more articles about Australian pigeons and doves click here.