Wonga Pigeon

Overview

The wonga pigeon is a large, plump pigeon that inhabits areas in eastern Australia. Its range extends from Central Queensland to Gippsland in eastern Victoria.

Identification

• Size: Length varies from 38 to 40 cm, characterized by a short neck, broad wings, and a long tail.
• Plumage: Pastel blue-grey back feathers with a creamy-white head and white underside featuring dotted dark grey spots that form a white V on the chest.
• Features: Dark red-brown eyes surrounded by pink eye-rings and red legs.
• Sound: Produces a loud, high-pitched 'coo' repeated over long periods, while males display with bowing and a soft, trilling coo.

Habitat

Found in rainforests, wet eucalypt forests, coastal forests, picnic areas, walking tracks, car parks, and gardens. Previously found as far north as Cairns and as far south as the Dandenongs, though land clearance, shootings, and predation have reduced presence in these areas.

Diet

The diet consists of fruit, berries, seeds from native forest trees, and the odd insect. They tend to occur on the ground foraging.

Did you know?

Wonga pigeons are very elusive and are more often heard but not seen, frequently producing explosive wing claps when disturbed.