White-headed Pigeon
NameWhite-headed Pigeon
Common NameWhite-headed Pigeon
Scientific NameColumba leucomela
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsAdults have a clean white head, neck, and upper breast. The rest of the body is dark slate-grey to black, with a metallic green or purple sheen on the mantle and wing coverts, especially visible in good light. The bill is red with a pale tip, and there is a prominent red orbital ring around the eye. Legs and feet are red.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a deep, mournful "oom-coo-coo" or "woo-hoo-hoo", often repeated, sometimes described as a low, guttural cooing.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to eastern Australia, ranging from central Queensland south through New South Wales to eastern Victoria.
Identifying Featureswhite head and neck, dark iridescent body, red bill with pale tip, red orbital ring, arboreal
Description
This medium-sized pigeon is easily identified by its striking white head and neck, contrasting sharply with its dark, iridescent body. It is typically found foraging for fruit in the canopy of rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests, often solitary or in small groups.
