Crested Pigeons (courtship)

Description:

Ocyphaps lophotes, commonly known as the crested pigeon and top notch pigeon, is a bird found widely throughout mainland Australia (except for the far northern tropical areas). It is the only member of the genus Ocyphaps. Plumage is grey with tinges of brown and green. It has a feathered but slender, black spike on top of the head. They run with the crest erect... which always amuses me! The male and I were sitting quietly under at tree, eating my lunch (we were sharing an apple). All of a sudden his head popped up and he started making hooting sounds. I've never heard this sound before, but once he raced off in pursuit of the other bird, I realised he had spotted the female, and the games could begin. She didn't seem overly keen, but that didn't deter him any. I don't know how territorial these birds are, but it could possibly be the same pair I spotted last year - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/367...

Habitat:

Found in grasslands, brush and wooded areas but they can also be seen at watercourses, homestead gardens, pastoral areas, sports grounds, and golf courses. They are common in urban areas. This pair was spotted in a garden at the Metroplex on Gateway estate in Murarrie, Brisbane.