Monday, July 6, 2015

TOPKNOT PIGEON

Photographed in the Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland, July 2015
633         TOPKNOT PIGEON            Lopholaimus antarticus

Australia           (476)

Also known as Flock Pigeon. 40-46 cm. Found in rainforests, palms, native figs; nearby eucalyptus forrest, woodlands; fruiting trees in open country; orchards, e.g. cherries. Range: coastal e. Aust., from Cape York to far s. coast NSW, on and e. of Divide. Fairly common from Atherton Tableland (ne Q) to ce. NSW; scarce n. of Cooktown; casual far e. Victoria to Mallacoota Region; Gippsland Lakes and Tas. unprecedented numbers (flocks to c. 40)nine the dry summer of 1994-95. Movement influenced by the availability otr lack of rainforest fruits.