Spinifex Pigeons
(Columbidae - Please see also Doves)
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The Spinifex Pigeon Geophaps plumifera is a bird found in Australia.
Generally these pigeons live in stony areas with low woodlands and spinifex grasses. They are nomadic and terristrial. The pigeons are seed eaters and are dependent on waterholes recharged by wet season monsoonal rains and showers. As the dry season progresses they concentrate around the ever decreasing water sources. They are often found in pairs or groups.
There are two races:
- The White-bellied Spinifex Pigeon, Geophaps plumifera plumifera, is permanently found in the arid areas of north western, northern, eastern and central Australia.
- The Red-bellied Spinifex Pigeon, Geophaps plumifera ferruginea is the second race, and can be permanently found the Pilbara, Western Australia.
Description:
There are only two Australian pigeon species / breeds that possess an erect crest, being the Spinifex Pigeon and the Crested Pigeon.
The Spinifex Pigeon is the smaller of the two with length from 20 to 24 centimetres (8 to 9.6 inches).
Otherwise, both races have plumage that is rusty colored, which blends into the red soils of the arid areas. They also have a bright red facial patch around the eye with a ring of black and grey facial patches. The pigeons have black striations on their wings.
The genders are difficult to distinguish.
Their flight is low and fast, often flipping and gliding in the flight.
Call / Vocalization:
Their call is a high-pitched coo or a deep coo-r-r-r.
Breeding / Nesting:
The species breed in spring and summer or after rain. Two white eggs are laid in the shelter of a spinifex bush.
Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org.
Personality & Pet Potential:
Elizabeth Young, Mickaboo Pigeon & Dove Coordinator, provides the following info:
Pigeons need:
- Safe place (indoors or outdoors, protected from weather and predators)
- Room to move (a space that is 3’ high, 3’ wide, 6’ long is good for 1 to 2 birds)
- Fresh food (pigeon feed), water, grit & greens daily
- Easy clean-up floor &/or Pigeon Pants (www.birdwearonline.com)
- Company (either yours or another pigeon’s)
- Family planning (if you have a mated pair, you need to replace real eggs w/ fake ones)
- Avian Vet Care if they become sick or injured
To adopt a pigeon, contact Elizabeth at AdoptKings@gmail.com or (415) 420-7204
For more info:
- Come meet King Pigeons at Andy’s Pet Shop on 1280 The Alameda (at Julian) in San Jose
- Visit Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue at www.mickaboo.org
- Check out www.pigeons.biz/forums (a great web group with lots of info and resources) Read about King Pigeon rescue at www.RescueReport.org
Pigeon Rescue:
Mickaboo Pigeon & Dove Coordinator - Contact: Elizabeth Young
Relevant Web Resources: Mangoverde
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