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Common BronzewingAlternative name: "Bronze-wing Pigeon" Aboriginal names: "tappak", "dhamarr" [gamilaraay, yuwaalaraay] |
Sightings
We see Common Bronzewings regularly by country roadsides, mostly along dirt roads, in the Narrabri area. Occasionally they also appeared on the paddocks of the property where we lived from 2003 to 2006, 20 km south of Narrabri.
Seen by us regularly on the western fringes of Mt. Kaputar National Park, 30 km east of Narrabri. A small number of birds are always found in the same area.
However, despite the name, this species is not as common any more as it used to be. These days, Crested Pigeons, who adapt more easily to the presence of humans, are much more numerous.
Photos
Male Common Bronzewing at Sawn Rocks (Mount Kaputar National Park; click on image for larger version)
Male Common Bronzewing at Sawn Rocks (Mount Kaputar National Park; click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of a female Common Bronzewing, typically sitting in a shady place on a dirt road (click on image for larger version)
Different female bird, similar view (click on image for larger version)
The same bird as above, now out in sunlight; note how under this angle of illumination there is hardly any irridescence from the wing coverts, while in the photo above, although in the shade, various colours are visible (click on image for larger version)
A couple of Common Bronzewings on the edge of a dirt road (click on image for larger version). The female is seen in the foreground, the male farther back; although the male is out of focus, note the splendour of his plumage (photo taken in August 2008, at the start of the breeding season)
Couple of Common Bronzewings caught by the roadside late at dusk; male in front, female in the background (click on image for larger version)
Habits
They are quite shy and hard to approach on foot, although they do occasionally let cars get very close. While others species, such as Crested Pigeons and Peaceful Doves often stay around farms, Common Bronzewings have never been seen by us to stay close to humans. This may contribute to the fact that they are not common any longer, possibly due to loss of habitat.