2021 Issue 26 - Doves & Pigeons PNC Limited to 6,500

DESCRIPTION

2021 Issue 26 -  Doves & Pigeons PNC

Limited to 6,500

Approximately 340 Species of Pigeons & Doves (family Columbidae, order Columbiformes) are distributed almost worldwide, with strongest representation in tropical and subtropical regions.  In Australia, they occur in most habitats, from the dense rainforests of North Queensland to the windswept heathlands of Tasmania.  Despite its brilliant plumage colouration, the arboreal Superb Fruit-Dove (ptilinopus Superbus) remains well hidden amidst foliage, so is more often heard than seen in the rainforests of Eastern Qld and North-eastern NSW.  These fruit-doves feed almost exclusively on fruits and berries , mainly in large trees.  The nest is composed of a platform of interlocked forded twigs, placed five to 30 metres above the ground.  The female incubates the single egg at night and the male incubates it during the day.