White-quilled Rock Pigeon

The White-quilled Rock Pigeon, Petrophassa albipennis, presents itself with a robust and earthy charm. Its plumage is a rich tapestry of mid-brown to reddish-brown, accented by a striking white patch on its wing, a feature that becomes particularly conspicuous in flight. The bird's face is adorned with distinctive pale lines that curve gracefully above and below the eye, adding to its unique visage.

Identification Tips

To identify this species, look for the white spots on its chin and forehead, and the grey orbital skin that frames its eyes. The white-quilled rock pigeon is a sizeable bird, with wings spanning 122 to 145 mm and a bill length ranging from 11.0 to 14.5 mm. The subspecies P. a. albipennis is slightly heavier than its counterpart, P. a. boothi, and can be distinguished by the larger white patches on its wings.

Habitat

The White-quilled Rock Pigeon is a true connoisseur of the rocky landscapes, making its home among the sandstone cliffs and towering escarpments of the Kimberley in Western Australia and extending eastward to the Victoria River in the Northern Territory.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to Australia, with its presence confined to the rugged terrains of the Kimberley region and the northwest of the Northern Territory.

Behaviour

The White-quilled Rock Pigeon exhibits a distinctive behaviour which involves perching on prominent rocks or ledges with a horizontal body posture, tail elevated from the ground, and wings drooping below the tail. Its flight is characterized by a loud clattering of wings, and it is known to glide from one high point to another. When disturbed, it retreats to the safety of its escarpments, though it ventures into adjacent grassy woodlands to feed.

Song & calls

The bird's flight is accompanied by a whirring sound reminiscent of a partridge.

Similar Species

The Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon is a close relative, sharing the same habitat specialization. However, it can be differentiated by the absence of the white wing patches and its chestnut-colored quills.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the White-quilled Rock Pigeon as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, within the Northern Territory, it is listed as Near Threatened, signaling a need for monitoring and potential conservation measures.