WHITE-HEADED PIGEON

Among rainforest pigeons, White-headed Pigeons are the most likely to thrive in coastal areas, spanning from Cooktown in far north Queensland to the Illawarra district in New South Wales. They primarily inhabit the eastern coastal strip but occasionally venture inland. These pigeons are cautious and secretive, often remaining still in dense foliage or on the forest floor when sensing danger, only taking flight with loud wing claps to escape perceived threats.

White-headed Pigeons live in pairs or groups of 15 or more and forage for seeds, grasses, grains, and fruits, moving as the fruits ripen. When flying in open areas, they maintain high speed at a low altitude but quickly swerve away from unusual objects.

Their distinctive features include a white head and neck, grey lower breast and belly, black/purple-grey back, wings, and tail, golden-yellow eyes with red-orange outer rings, red beaks with cream tips, and red-pink feet with darker claws.

Their call consists of a series of low-pitched coos, intensifying during the breeding season to attract mates. In early spring, males showcase themselves with undulating flights above the forest canopy, followed by a distinctive bowing display to females.

Breeding season spans from July to March, with both parents constructing a small nest in bushes or small trees 3-20 meters above the ground. Typically, one or two small ellipsoidal cream eggs are laid and incubated by both parents for around 20 days.

Chicks grow rapidly on a diet of “pigeon’s milk,” a regurgitated material that resembles cream cheese. Young pigeons are initially covered in rust-colored down, and adults have soft plumage with powdery down that can be thrown, particularly from their tail feathers, when under attack. Successful seasons may yield 2-3 broods, and parents may re-breed if they lose eggs or chicks to predators or adverse weather conditions. Chicks fledge in 21-22 days but continue to stay with their parents and join the flock.

Their diet primarily consists of fruits, seeds, and berries, they play an important role in the ecology of their habitats by helping to disperse seeds, which contributes to the regeneration of plant species. These beautiful birds are valued members of their ecosystems and are a part of Australia’s rich avian biodiversity.