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Topknot Pigeon

(Lopholaimus antarcticus)
: "Flock Pigeon";
NOTE: The name "Topknot Pigeon" is often mistakenly used for the Crested Pigeon.
Size: 40-45 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Topknot Pigeons are primarily found in a narrow strip allong the east coast of Australia, from about Cairns, QLD, in the north to the NSW/VIC border in the south. However, they are also present at some locations further inland, e.g. Bunya Mountains NP in QLD (see below).

Topknot Pigeons can be found in and around rainforest and dense forest, but also in parks and gardens with ripe fruit.

Sightings

Two flocks of Topknot Pigeons were spotted by us in July 2009, at Bunya Mountains National Park, QLD. Both times the light conditions were bad for photography, which explains the poor quality of the photo shown. The identification of the birds is certain, based on observations with high-power binoculars.

Also seen by us at Dorrigo NP, northern NSW, in January 2011.

Photos

Two Topknot Pigeons flying above the rainforest of Dorrigo NP

Different viewing angle from underneath

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Sedentary/dispersive Elementary unit: Flock

Food

All pigeons and doves are strictly vegetarian. Topknot Pigeons are primarily fruit-eaters.

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.