Spinifex Pigeon

The Spinifex Pigeon, also known as the Plumed-Pigeon or Gannaway Pigeon, is a small, compact bird weighing between 80-110 grams with a body length of 200-235mm and a wingspan of 300-350mm. Exhibiting a rufous-brown plumage with thin black bars on the wings and back, it is adorned with a bright red facial mask, bordered by a black supercilium and moustachial stripe. A white band extends from the chin to behind the eye, and the throat is black. The legs and feet are grey, and males are slightly larger than females, though visually similar.

Identification Tips

To identify the Spinifex Pigeon, look for its distinctive facial markings, including the red mask and white band. The white stripe on the breast and the grey legs and feet are also key features. There is no seasonal variation in plumage, and the bird's compact size and rufous coloration provide excellent camouflage in its desert habitat.

Habitat

The Spinifex Pigeon is found in arid and semi-arid stony habitats, including rocky hills, mountainous terrain, gorges, and dry rocky creek beds. It is closely associated with hummock-forming grasses known as 'spinifex grasses' and can be found in the understorey of low open savannah and woodlands.

Distribution

This species is endemic to northern and central Australia, with three recognised subspecies: the Eastern Spinifex Pigeon, the North-western Spinifex Pigeon, and the Pilbara Spinifex Pigeon. Each subspecies is adapted to the specific arid conditions of their locales.

Behaviour

The Spinifex Pigeon is gregarious and sedentary, often found in pairs or small groups. It is a ground-dwelling bird that relies on running rather than flight to escape predators. The species is known for its spectacular bowing display and head-shaking behavior, which serve as communication among individuals.

Song & Calls

The Spinifex Pigeon has a complex repertoire of calls, ranging from soft high-pitched coos to deep coo-r-r-r sounds. These calls serve various purposes, including advertising presence, signaling alarm, and facilitating contact between birds.

Breeding

Breeding can occur year-round, peaking in spring and summer. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, and two cream-colored eggs are laid. Both parents share incubation duties, and the young are independent at four to six weeks.

Similar Species

The Crested Pigeon is the only other Australian pigeon with an erect crest, but the Spinifex Pigeon is easily distinguished by its smaller size, rufous plumage, and desert habitat preference.

Diet and Feeding

The Spinifex Pigeon forages on the ground for seeds, vegetable matter, and insects. Its diet consists mainly of seeds from drought-resistant grasses and herbs, with animal and vegetative material being a minor component.

Conservation Status

The Spinifex Pigeon is listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. While its range may have expanded due to the installation of permanent water sources, current threats include overgrazing, inappropriate fire regimes, and climate change. Conservation efforts are in place, with habitats protected in several national parks.