The Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) is a common Australian bird.

The Crested Pigeon is grey with tints of brown. Its wings are brown-grey with black stripes. Its primary feathers are brown, purple, blue, and green. Its crest is black. Its black tail is long with a white tip. It has a grey beak, down-turned at the tip, with pink-grey legs, and brown-orange eyes. It has a bright orange eye-ring.

Crested Pigeon

It grows to about 34 centimetres (13 inches) tall.

It is found throughout Australia, except in the far north tropical regions. It prefers wooded grasslands, near water, as well as urban areas, gardens and parks.

The Crested Pigeon eats grain and seed, as well as plants.

They are generally solitary. Although they can be seen in pairs, they are also social and tend to be seen in flocks.

They build a nest in shrubs or trees. Females lay two white eggs, which hatch after about 21 days. Both male and female parents sit on the eggs.  The chicks are born altricial – blind, bald, and helpless. The chicks soon gain their feathers.

Crested Pigeon

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM