White-headed Pigeons
(Columbidae - Please see also Doves)
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The White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela) is a pigeon that is native to Australia. It is also known by names of "Baldy" and "Baldy Pigeon".
Distribution / Range:
The pigeon's habitat is from Cooktown, Queenstown to southern New South Wales. It can commonly be found in tropical regions, subtropical rainforest, scrub, watercourses and street trees. Since colonisation of Australia, their numbers have decreased but they have thrived on the introduced camphor laurel.
Breeding / Nesting:
The White-headed pigeon's nest generally consists of scanty twigs and is usually placed high in canopy up to 18 metres. It tends to lay one cream-white egg. Breeding is mostly from October to December.
Description:
The size of the pigeon varies from about 38 to 41 centimetres (15.2 to 16.4 inches). Plumage consists of a white head and breast with a 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. Juveniles have a grey crown and breast.
These pigeons are often found alone, pairs or in small flocks. They are very quiet and elusive. Their flight is swift and direct.
Call / Vocalization:
Their call is loud and gruff sounding like "WHOO!" followed by a gruff inhalation sounding "uk" (repeated three times). Sometimes the call is a low "oom".
Diet / Feeding:
White-headed pigeons feed on fruit in canopy but can also feed on the ground in the open. It also eats fallen grains in cornfields.
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
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