Bar-shouldered Dove
NameBar-shouldered Dove
Common NameBar-shouldered Dove
Scientific NameGeopelia humeralis
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsThe head and breast are a pale grey-blue. The nape and sides of the neck, extending onto the shoulders, feature prominent black and rufous-brown barring. The back and wings are brownish with darker barring, while the undersides are whitish. It has reddish-pink legs, a pale blue-grey bill with a darker tip, and a yellow eye surrounded by a pale blue orbital ring.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, mournful, and resonant cooing call, often described as 'cook-a-wook' or 'coo-coo-coo'.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern and eastern Australia, as well as southern New Guinea. Its range extends from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the Top End and Queensland, down to northeastern New South Wales.
Identifying FeaturesProminent black and rufous-brown barring on nape and shoulders, Grey-blue head and breast, Reddish-pink legs, Yellow eye with pale blue orbital ring, Pale blue-grey bill
Description
The Bar-shouldered Dove is a medium-sized dove characterized by its distinctive black and rufous barring on the nape and shoulders. It is commonly found foraging on the ground in various open habitats across its range, often near water sources. This species is known for its resonant cooing call.
