Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera)

After a very ordinary day yesterday, we went up to the park for some bird and bug hunting - in the sunshine. Finally spotted this beautiful Bronzewing. Bronzewings, like other pigeons, secrete a special milk-like substance from their crop, which is fed to the young chicks.

Common Bronzewings are medium-sized, heavily built pigeons. The male has a yellow-white forehead and pink breast. Both sexes have a clear white line below and around the eye and patches of green, blue and red in the wing, characteristic of all bronzewings.

The Common Bronzewing is a cautious pigeon, and rarely allows close approach. Young Common Bronzewings are duller and browner than the adults. The metallic wing patch is absent or not easily seen.

Larger metallic patch.

Common Bronzewings are one of the most plentiful and commonly seen pigeons in Australia. They are everywhere, and are found in almost every habitat type, with the exception of the most barren areas.

These birds feed on seeds and other vegetable matter. It is interesting that they need to drink frequently, and visit waterholes, lakes and dams during either the day or night.