|
|
Squatter Pigeon
(Geophaps scripta)
: "Partridge Bronzewing",
"Partridge Pigeon"
Aboriginal name(s): "manga"
Size: 26-29 cm
Weight: 180-250 g
|
|
 |
Similar species |
|
 |
Physical description |
|
Click here for a physical description
Squatter Pigeons are medium-sized pigeons. There are two races,
which have basically identical plumages, but different-coloured
skin patches around the eyes.
Race "scripta"
has grey orbital skin, while race "peninsulae" has
orange-red orbital skin, with a lot of variation in the overlap
zone of the two races.
The frons is grey, turning more brownish grey towards the cap
and the nape of the neck, while the sides of the head show a
"zebra" pattern of alternating black and white stripes. The
front is grey, with white flanks which show as white bars
under the folded wings.
The neck, back and tail are brownish-grey, with a heavy scallop
pattern with lighter edges on the wing coverts. The dark-grey
flight feathers also have light brownish-grey edges.
The irises are brown. The sturdy bill is dark-grey; legs
and feet are grey.
Juvenile
Squatter Pigeons have duller colours,
with more brownish hues and more scalloping, especially on the
breast. The facial pattern is also less pronounced.
|
 |
Taxonomy, classification |
|
See Squatter
Pigeon at Wikipedia .
|
 |
Range, habitat, finding this species |
|
Click here for information on habitat
and range
The overall distribution of this species can be assessed, and
specific locations where birds have been spotted can be found,
based on individual sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to
ebird.org
.
The global distribution of the Squatter Pigeon is available
HERE
.
NB:
Reports on ebird of birds submitted by birdwatchers from
the Australian Outback tend to be clustered along roads
and public areas such as camp grounds; in such cases their
distribution is not a good representation of the overall
distribution of the species.
There are two races of Squatter Pigeons, both of which are
endemic to Australia.
Their combined range is restricted to north-eastern Australia.
They are present across the width of the southern part of
Cape York peninsula, southward of the latitude
of Cape Tribulation, to the border region of QLD with NSW.
Their range extends inland to the southern tip of the Gulf
of Carpentaria and roughly Charleville, QLD.
In the south-eastern quarter of QLD, with the exception of
the metropolitan areas around Brisbane and the Gold Coast,
up to the latitude of Townsville, QLD, nominate race
"scripta"
is found.
The northern part of the range, northward of Townsville, is
occupied by race "peninsulae".
Squatter Pigeons have a preference for open areas near
woodland,
often with grass
tussocks and bare ground. They are often found near
roadsides.
|
 |
Sightings |
|
Click here for sighting information
Race "scripta"
M. Eaton reports finding Squatter Pigeons, race
"scripta",
near Emerald, QLD, in August 2019.
Race "peninsulae"
R. Russell reports spotting Squatter Pigeons, race
"peninsulae",
semi-regularly at Mount Molloy, QLD.
M. Eaton reports finding Squatter Pigeons, race
"peninsulae",
at Granite Rocks Nature Park, Mareeba, QLD, in November 2018.
|
 |
Photos |
|
Race "scripta"
 |
ADULT |
|
Lateral view of two Squatter Pigeons (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Near Emerald, QLD, August 2019]
Near-dorsal view of a Squatter Pigeon (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Near Emerald, QLD, August 2019]
Race "peninsulae"
 |
ADULT |
|
Frontal view of a Squatter Pigeon; note the red orbital skin
which characterises race "peninsulae"
(photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, January 2011]
Close-up lateral view of a Squatter Pigeon (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Granite Rocks Nature Park, Mareeba, QLD, November 2018]
Close-up lateral view of a Squatter Pigeon (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Granite Rocks Nature Park, Mareeba, QLD, November 2018]
Lateral view of a Squatter Pigeon (photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, June 2011]
Lateral view of a Squatter Pigeon (photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, August 2011]
Near-dorsal view of a Squatter Pigeon (photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, March 2011]
Dorsal view of a Squatter Pigeon (photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, January 2011]
Two Squatter Pigeons on the ground (photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, September 2008]
Typical view of a clan of Squatter Pigeons on the ground
(photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, February 2010]
 |
IMMATURE/JUVENILE |
|
Lateral view of a ragged-looking Squatter Pigeon; this bird appears
to be moulting; the dull colours of both the orbital skin and the
facial mask indicate that this is a juvenile
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Granite Rocks Nature Park, Mareeba, QLD, November 2018]
 |
Food, Diet |
|
Close-up lateral view of Squatter Pigeons foraging on the ground for seeds
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Granite Rocks Nature Park, Mareeba, QLD, November 2018]
Lateral view of a Squatter Pigeon drinking water from a bowl
(photo courtesy of R. Russell)
[Mount Molloy, QLD, June 2011]
These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our
contributors.
The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species
please refer to a field guide.