Flock Bronzewing

The flock bronzewing, Phaps histrionica, is a pigeon species endemic to the drier regions of Australia. It is the most nomadic of Australian pigeons, with a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other species. Adult flock bronzewings are typically 280–305 mm in length, with a wingspan of 189–216 mm, and weigh between 260–320 grams.

Identification Tips

The adult male flock bronzewing boasts a striking black head, save for a white forehead and a patch on the lower throat. A white line extends from behind the eye, encircling the ear coverts to form a broken ring. The upperparts and wings are a reddish sandy brown, with grey primary coverts and alula edged in white. The primaries are grey with chestnut inner webs, and all but the outer three are tipped white. The secondaries are grey, with chestnut inner webs on the inner secondaries. The iris is dark brown, and the bill is black.

The adult female is more subdued, with a sandy-brown crown and forehead. The facial markings are less pronounced than in the male, and the primaries lack the white tips.

Juveniles resemble adult females but have less distinct facial markings, brown-tipped primaries and secondaries, and a horn-coloured bill.

Habitat

The flock bronzewing is uniquely adapted to the arid plains of Australia. It favors open grassland plains and areas with clumped grasses and small shrubs interspersed with open spaces. A significant habitat for this species is the grass plains of the Barkly Tableland.

Distribution

This species is most abundant in the Barkly Tablelands of eastern Northern Territory and Western Queensland. Their range is extensive, occasionally reaching the Kimberly region of Western Australia, northern South Australia, and northwestern New South Wales. They are no longer present in their original habitat on the Liverpool Plains, NSW.

Behaviour

Flock bronzewings are highly nomadic, moving across the landscape in response to food availability. They are known for their large, impressive flocks, which have become less common due to changes in their habitat.

Breeding

Breeding is closely tied to food resources and thus varies by location. In the southern part of their range, breeding typically occurs from spring to early summer, while in the north, it aligns with the early to middle dry season. The nest is a simple ground scrape lined with grass and twigs, often sheltered by grass clumps or shrubs. Two white eggs are laid and incubated for 16 days, with fledglings leaving the nest after one week.

Diet and Feeding

Flock bronzewings primarily feed on seeds from grasses, herbs, and shrubs. They have also adapted to consume undigested seeds found in cattle dung. Notable food sources include seeds from desert spurge, camel bush, yellow daisy, and river grass.

Conservation status

The flock bronzewing is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, their populations and range have been impacted by pastoralism, which has reduced the availability of grasses for food and nesting. Predation is also a threat, as their ground-laid eggs are vulnerable to predators.