TOPKNOT PIGEON

The Topknot Pigeon is large and distinct with its unmistakable dusty red crest used in mating displays. Both male and female are approximately 41cm long.

These pigeons primarily feed on a diet of native fruit,  berries, and seeds such as Native figs, Lilly pillies, Bangalow palms, and Blueberry ash. They play an important role in dispersing the seeds of the fruits they consume.

Topknot Pigeons inhabit various forested habitats, including rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests.

They are often seen in flocks, flying together in search of fruiting trees. They are known for their distinctive calls, which are often heard in the rainforests they inhabit.

Like many other bird species, they may face habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities. Historically, early settlers cleared land and hunted these birds for food, leading to a decline in their numbers. However, recent scientific studies have shown that nomadic flock pigeons, while feeding on plants like Camphor, act as seed depositors, aiding in revegetation. This natural seed dispersal encourages new growth and greater diversity in rainforest remnants along the coast.