Topknot Pigeon

The Topknot Pigeon, Lopholaimus antarcticus, is a pigeon species endemic to eastern Australia. It is a large bird, predominantly slate-grey, measuring 40–46 centimeters in length. The plumage is darker on the back, coverts, and upper secondaries, with black quills. The primaries are black, while the rest of the body is a lighter slate-grey. A distinctive feature is the crest, grey at the base and russet brown on the crown, flanked by black.

Identification Tips

Males and females are similar in appearance, but males boast a larger crest and less streaking on the chest. Juveniles resemble females but have mottled chests and smaller crests. The iris of adults is yellow-golden with a bright red outer band, while fledglings have brown irises. The tarsals and feet are purplish red, turning reddish brown in juveniles.

Habitat

This species inhabits the rainforests of eastern Australia, where it can be seen perched high in the canopy or in flight, displaying its striking tail pattern.

Distribution

The Topknot Pigeon ranges from the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland to the central south coast of New South Wales, and occasionally ventures into eastern Victoria. Historical records indicate rare sightings in Tasmania.

Behaviour

These pigeons are known for their nomadic tendencies, traveling great distances in search of fruiting trees. They may suddenly appear in areas where they have not been seen for years.

Song & Calls

The Topknot Pigeon has three distinct calls: a soft 'coo-oo, eee', a louder 'coo-oo, ooo', and a quiet, croaky 'cor-or' reminiscent of a domestic pigeon. In flocking and mass feeding situations, a short raucous call can be heard.

Breeding

Breeding season is tied to the ripening of fruit trees and palms within their habitat, prompting mass flocking. Nests are built of stout sticks, and a single ovate egg is laid. Both sexes share incubation duties, which last 17–24 days.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is exclusively frugivorous, consisting of various species of Ficus and other rainforest fruits. The Topknot Pigeon does not use grit to break down seeds, thus playing a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Conservation status

Once abundant, the Topknot Pigeon's numbers declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Now protected in Australia, their numbers have seen a resurgence, partly due to the availability of camphor laurel fruit. The IUCN currently lists the species as Least Concern.