Ocyphaps lophotes

(Temminck, 1822)

Vernacular names
English : Crested pigeon
French : Colombine longup

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Columbiformes
Family : Columbidae
Notes : 2 subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach 36 cm in length for a weight of 250 g. Head breast and belly light grey, long black crest. Back, wings and tail pinkish-brown with green and purple iridescent flight feathers. Long dark tail with white tips. Very thin black bill.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Australia and occurs in most of the country except from far north and Tasmania. Lives in semi-arid wooded grasslands, agricultural areas, in lowlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very adaptable and its numbers are increasing with deforestation and creation of new artificial water ponds for cattle in arid areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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