Crested pigeon

The crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) is a bird found widely throughout mainland Australia except for the far northern tropical areas.

The taxon was named for F. Lawson Whitlock, who made important collections of bird specimens in those areas.

Wings have black stripes and are bronzed, while the primary feathers have iridescent areas of brown, purple, blue, and green.

Their habitat has expanded rapidly since settlement has produced pastoral lands (previously they were only found in inland and Western Australia).

Their most distinctive behaviour is the beating and whistling sound their wings make when they take off.

[7] When the birds land, their tails tilt upwards and the flight patterns are similar to those of the spotted turtle dove.

If the female is interested, she remains generally stationary as the male approaches, until copulation is attempted.

SE Queensland, Australia
Mating display