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11

White-headed Pigeon

(Columba leucomela) Alternative name: "Baldy"
Size: 38-40 cm

Habitat

 (for details refer to a field guide)

White-headed Pigeons are found along the Australian east coast, from about Lakefield National Park, QLD, in the north, to about Coopracambra National Park in southern NSW.

Their natural habitat is rain forest, but White-headed Pigeons are adaptable and will also visit parks and gardens for food (fruit).

Sightings

White-headed Pigeons were first spotted by us 20 km east of Gloucester, NSW, in June 2009. A flock of 20-30 birds was feeding, together with about 15 Australian King-Parrots, on the berries of bushes near a roadside.

Also seen at Dorrigo National Park, northern NSW, in July 2009. Again spotted there in January 2011.

Photos

Frontal view of a White-headed Pigeon

White-headed Pigeon in its typical habitat, high up in a treetop

Five out of a total of up to 30 birds seen by us

Here a photo of three White-headed Pigeons taken at Gosford, NSW, in January 2010 kindly contributed by Y. English

Food

All pigeons and doves are strictly vegetarian. White-headed Pigeons are primarily fruit-eaters. What brings them close to humans is often their taste for the berries of privet.

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