WHITE-HEADED PIGEON
Drawing:
Jenny Holmes
WHITE-HEADED PIGEON:
Columba leucomela 40 cm
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The White-headed Pigeon is endemic to rainforests
in eastern Australia.
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It is a close relative of the domesticated pigeon
and is of similar size and shape.
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In forests this pigeon is difficult to observe.
By contrast, around 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.
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When nesting, it is detected most readily by its
loud booming calls.
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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.
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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)
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Small numbers are regularly seen overflying the rainforest clearing at Chambers Wildlife
Rainforest Lodge .
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