It is a rock dweller found roosting on sandstone cliffs and towers in the Kimberley, WA and east of the Victoria River, NT.

Although their common name derives from the white wing panels visible in flight, its facial markings are also distinctive.

[5] The pigeon's habitat is rocky escarpments and gorges where they move easily among the rocks and boulders.

Some rather small pigeons (Petrophila albipennis Gould),of a dark brown colour, marked with a white patch on the wings, were seen, and some specimens shot.

They made a whirring sound in flight, like the partridge, and appeared to haunt the rocks; a habit which all subsequent observation confirmed."