The Common Bronzewing Pigeon (Phaps chalcoptera) is a medium-sized bird in the pigeon family.

The Common Bronzewing Pigeon is a brownish, plump-bodied bird with bronze coloured wings. The male is darker than the female. The male has a pale-yellow forehead and a pinkish chest. Both the male and the female have a white line around their eyes. It also has patches of red, blue, and green on its wings. It has dark eyes and pink legs.

It grows to 30-36 centimetres (12-14 inches) tall.

It is native to Australia. It can live in a wide range of habitats, except desert areas and thick rainforests. It prefers to live near water.

The Common Bronzewing Pigeon is terrestrial, and forages on the ground for seeds to eat. 

It is usually seen alone or in pairs, or small groups. The male and female make a rough nest of twigs and sticks on a low tree or bush. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which hatch after 14-16 days. Both the male and the female sit on the eggs until they hatch, and they both look after their chicks.  

The chicks are born hairless and blind. This is called altricial. Young chicks are usually dull dark brown until they gain their adult feathers.

Location of photographs:Canberra, Australia

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM