Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes lophotes) 26 September 2019, Royal National Park, Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia
Crested Pigeon (
Ocyphaps lophotes)
These unique pigeons are the only member of the genus Ocyphaps although they were previously included in Geophaps. These striking endemic pigeons make a distinctive wing-whistle in flight. This sound is produced by air flow over the modified primary feathers and differs depending on whether or not the birds are fleeing a predator. If there is a predator, the whistle acts as an alarm signal warning others of the danger. This species is widespread in Australia having expanded eastward from the interior in recent decades. Canon PowerShot SX60 HS.

References:

Baptista, L.F., Trail, P.W., Horblit, H.M. & Boesman, P. (2019). Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/54193 on 26 December 2019).

Gibbs D, Barnes E, Cox J (2010) Pigeons and Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World. Christopher Helm, London.
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