Brown Cuckoo-Dove

Overview

The brown cuckoo-dove is a large Australian dove in the genus Macropygia that is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It was formally described in 1821 and is sometimes referred to as the brown or pheasant pigeon, although these common names are best avoided to prevent confusion with similar species.

Identification

• Length of 40 to 43 cm with rich rusty-brown plumage, darker wings and tail, and slight rose or green colouration on the nape in males.
• Very loud call described as a "whoop-a whoop".
• Short wings and long tail.

Habitat

Found across Australia from Weipa and Aurukun in the north to Bega in the south, and inland as far as Atherton and Toowoomba. It inhabits rainforest, woodland, scrubland, and rainforest regrowth areas.

Diet

The species feeds on berries from native plants and introduced weed species. It forages in pairs or groups and can be nomadic, moving in response to food supplies.

Did you know?

The specific name phasianella is a diminutive of the Latin word for pheasant, reflecting the bird's appearance despite being a dove.