About the Brown Cuckoo-Dove
The brown cuckoo-dove is a dove in the genus Macropygia found in Australia from Weipa and Aurukun in the north to Bega in the south, and most inland at Atherton and Toowoomba. It is sometimes called the "brown pigeon" or "pheasant pigeon", but both terms are best avoided, as they can lead to confusion with the brown doves and the true pheasant pigeon. It was one of three new species defined when the slender-billed cuckoo-dove was split in 2016.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The brown cuckoo-dove is from 40 to 43 centimetres (16 to 17 in) in length. The feathers are a rich rusty-brown colour, and the short wings, long tail and back are darker. The males tend to have a slight rose/green colouration on their nape and neck. The call of this dove is a very loud "whoop-a whoop" with some differences depending on the subspecies involved. The brown cuckoo-dove inhabits rainforest, woodland, scrubland and rainforest regrowth areas. The doves can often be seen in pairs or groups. Its diet consists of berries from both native plants and introduced weed species.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Indonesia.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Little Cuckoo-DoveMacropygia ruficepsThe little cuckoo-dove is a reddish brown pigeon, measuring 27 to 30 cm (11 to 12 in) in length, and weighing 74 to 88 g (2.6 to 3.1 oz).
Barred Cuckoo-DoveMacropygia unchallThe barred cuckoo-dove has a buff coloured throat and forehead which becomes pinkish grey at the crown. measures 37 to 41 cm (15 to 16 in) in length, and weighs 153 to 182 g (5.4 to 6.4 oz).
Amboyna Cuckoo-DoveMacropygia amboinensisThe Amboyna cuckoo-dove is typically about 35–37 centimetres (14–15 in) long.
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