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Ocyphaps lophotes
The Crested Pigeon is endemic to Australia, and is the only member of the genus Ocyphaps. It has a grey head with a fine pointed, usually upright crest, and bright orange eyes. The wings are soft brown with bold black bars above metallic green to purple patches. A striking and elegant bird.
Parkland near the beach, North Stradbroke Island. Part of flock of about 10 individuals.
Their wings make a typical whistling sound when they take off. This sound is produced by the air passing over a modified primary feather. This is thought to draw the attention of predators to flying birds, and away from birds remaining on the ground, and as an alarm call to other pigeons. Two Australian pigeon species possess an erect crest: the Crested Pigeon and the Spinifex Pigeon.
Spotted on May 12, 2014
Submitted on May 12, 2014
2 Comments
They do! It must be that crest!
hahah I love finding them, they always look so surprised by everything