Common Bronzewing
NameCommon Bronzewing
Common NameCommon Bronzewing
Scientific NamePhaps chalcoptera
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)220
Plumage DetailsMales have a creamy-white forehead, a grey crown, and a purplish-pink breast. The back and wings are grey-brown with striking iridescent bronze, green, and purple patches on the secondary wing feathers. Females are duller, with a grey forehead and browner breast. Both sexes have a dark line extending from the bill through the eye.
Vocalization / CallA low, mournful 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'oom-oom-oom' call, often repeated, which can be heard from a distance.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across mainland Australia, inhabiting most wooded habitats including forests, woodlands, mallee, and scrublands, and occasionally urban parks and gardens.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent bronze, green, and purple patches on wings, Creamy-white forehead (males), Purplish-pink breast (males), Dark line through the eye, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Common Bronzewing is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling pigeon native to Australia, known for its distinctive iridescent wing patches. It is generally shy and often forages on the ground for seeds. Males display a creamy forehead and purplish-pink breast.
