WHITE-HEADED PIGEON

Drawing: Jenny Holmes

WHITE-HEADED PIGEON
Columba leucomela 40 cm

·         The White-headed Pigeon is endemic to rainforests in eastern Australia.

·         It is a close relative of the domesticated pigeon and is of similar size and shape.

·         In forests this pigeon is difficult to observe.  By contrast, round towns and farms it may form large flocks to feed, especially on fallen fruits of the exotic Camphor Laurel.  Regular sites include Yungaburra, Malanda and Atherton.

·         When nesting, it is detected most readily by its loud booming calls.

·    The nests of many pigeons and doves seem to consist of not much more than a
beakful of twigs and a prayer. It is surprising that they hold eggs, let alone wriggling
nestlings, but the commonness of many species, for example the peaceful dove,
which is a minimal nester, means they must serve their purpose. It has been
suggested that these nests may dry out quickly after rain. Flimsiness, however, may
be an illusion; the sticks in nests of superb fruit-doves were found to consist of
forked twigs which were locked into place and difficult to pull apart. (Source: Department
of Environment)

·        Small numbers are regularly seen overflying the rainforest clearing at Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge .

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Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tableland
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
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