General Information

These pigeons are often found alone, in pairs or small flocks. They are very quiet and elusive. Their flight is known to be swift and direct. Their call has a loud, gruff sound that makes a 'whoo!' noise.

Physical Description

The size of the pigeon can be from 38 to 41 cm.  Its plumage consists of a white head and breast with a darker glossy back area. Wings and tail are black. The bill is red with a yellowish tip. The eye ring and legs are red and the eyes are pale orange or yellow. The young have a grey crown and breast.

Diet

White-headed pigeons feed on fruit in canopy but can also feed on berries and seeds on the ground in the open. It will also eat fallen grains in cornfields. They strongly prefer Camphor Laurel trees and will travel several kilometers to feed in open country. 

Habitat

The White-headed pigeon is native to the east coast of Australia. It belongs to the same genus as the domestic pigeon. The pigeon's can be found from Cooktown, Queensland to southern New South Wales. It prefers tropical regions, subtropical rainforest, scrub, watercourses and street trees. Since the colonization of Australia, their numbers have decreased but they have been able to thrive on the introduced Camphor laurel.

Reproduction

The White-headed pigeon's nest generally consists of small twigs and is usually placed high in canopy up to 18 m. It tends to lay one cream-white egg, which the female will incubate for 22 days. Breeding is mostly from October to December.