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Crested PigeonAlternative names: "Crested Bronzewing"; Misnomer: "Toppy" (="Top-knot Pigeon*") Aboriginal name: "gulawuliil" [yuwaalaraay] |
Sightings
Crested Pigeons are common throughout inland New South Wales, including the Narrabri area, where they are probably the most common type of dove or pigeon. They can adapt to human presence and are therefore sometimes quite easy to approach. The sound if their characteristic wingbeat is easily distinguishable from that of any other kind of bird, including other doves and pigeons.
Also sighted on a trip to the east of the dividing range, in the area from Armidale to Dorrigo, New South Wales.
Photos
Near-frontal view of a Crested Pigeon (click on image for larger version)
Near-frontal view of a Crested Pigeon feeding on the ground (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of a Crested Pigeon (click on image for larger version)
Close-up lateral portrait of a Crested Pigeon (click on image for larger version)
You scratch my back... (click on image for larger version)
... I scratch yours! (click on image for larger version)
Here one can see nicely the long crest and the coloured speculum plumage during the breeding season (click on image for full-size display)
Nest
In March/April 2006, quite late in the season, when the nights were already chilly (around 5 C), a pair of Crested Pigeons had their nest in a Pepper Tree at our neighbour's place, 20 km south of Narrabri. This must have been the pair's second brood of the season, with their first hatching in early spring.
Crested Pigeon on its nest of twigs, lined with feathers (click on image for larger version)
Portrait of a Crested Pigeon on its nest (click on image for larger version)
Crested Pigeon's nest with two eggs in it (click on image for larger version)
Eggs
Photo of a Crested Pigeon's nest with a close-up view of the two eggs in it
The day after the photo was taken the eggs were gone, fallen prey to a Pied Currawong's appetite.
Habits
When nesting Crested Pigeons don't mind close proximity to humans. The nest shown above was at a height of about 2 m in a tree right next to our neighbour's driveway. It was built in a tree with dense foliage and a multitude of branches, which is typical for Crested Pigeons. Approaching the nest for a close-range photo was no problem at all; the bird on the nest did not let itself be disturbed.
Males put up displays for the females they are courting from conspicuous places, such as fenceposts.
Male Crested Pigeon displaying its plumage to impress a female (left) and a view of the side one is not supposed to see (right)
Sometimes there is courtship competition...
Like other species of doves and pigeons, Crested Pigeons are seen to lift one of their wings occasionally, possibly for evaporative cooling.
Crested Pigeon lifting one of its wings; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg (click on image for larger version)