Wonga pigeon facts for kids
The wonga pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca) is a type of pigeon that lives in eastern Australia. You can find them from Central Queensland down to Gippsland, in eastern Victoria.
In the past, these pigeons lived as far north as Cairns and as far south as the Dandenongs. However, because people cleared land, shot them to protect crops in the 1940s, and foxes hunted them, they are now rarely seen in those areas. Luckily, their numbers have started to grow again.
Quick facts for kids Wonga pigeon |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Leucosarcia
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| Species: |
melanoleuca
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| Synonyms | |
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Leucosarcia picata |
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Contents
What Does a Wonga Pigeon Look Like?
The wonga pigeon is a large, plump bird. It has a short neck, wide wings, and a long tail. These pigeons are usually about 38 to 40 centimetres (15 to 16 inches) long.
Feather Colors and Markings
Their back feathers are a soft blue-grey color. The top of their head fades into a creamy-white. Their belly is white with small, dark grey spots. These spots form a clear white 'V' shape on their chest.
Eyes and Legs
Wonga pigeons have dark red-brown eyes. Around their eyes, they have pink rings. Their legs are red. Male and female pigeons look very much alike. Young pigeons are a bit browner and their 'V' pattern is not as clear.
Where Do Wonga Pigeons Live?
Wonga pigeons are quite shy birds. You will often hear them before you see them! If something startles them, they make a loud clapping sound with their wings as they fly away.
Their Favorite Places
These pigeons usually search for food on the ground. They live in rainforests, wet eucalypt forests, and forests near the coast. Sometimes, you can even spot them in picnic areas, on walking tracks, in car parks, and in gardens.
What Do They Eat?
Wonga pigeons eat a variety of things. Their diet includes fruit, berries, and seeds from native forest trees. They also sometimes eat insects.
How Do Wonga Pigeons Communicate?
The wonga pigeon has a distinct call. It is a loud, high-pitched 'coo' sound. They repeat this call for several seconds at a time.
Mating Calls
When male pigeons are trying to attract a mate, they perform a special display. They bow their heads and make a soft, trilling coo sound.
Wonga Pigeon Life Cycle and Reproduction
Wonga pigeons are monogamous, meaning they stay with one partner. They usually breed between October and January.
Building a Nest
The pigeons build a nest out of twigs. The nest is usually about 30 centimetres (12 inches) wide. They place their nests high up in trees, from about 3 to 20 metres (10 to 65 feet) above the ground. Breeding pairs will protect their nest. Sometimes, they even use old nests built by topknot pigeons or tawny frogmouths.
Laying Eggs
Female wonga pigeons typically lay two eggs. Each egg can be up to 4 centimetres (1.6 inches) long.
Images for kids
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A wonga pigeon in its natural habitat.
See also
In Spanish: Paloma Wonga para niños
