Brown cuckoo-dove

Macropygia phasianella

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 "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 up in 2016.
Brown Cuckoo Dove Australia,Brown cuckoo-dove,Geotagged,Macropygia phasianella,Summer

Appearance

The brown cuckoo-dove is from 40 to 43 centimetres 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. They can be nomadic, depending on the supplies of food. They tend to fly short distances and low to the ground with great strength.

Breeding occurs in spring and summer. The nest is a flat platform of sticks and vines, either in a fork of a tree or on top of a low tree. One, creamy white, egg is laid.
Cuckoo Pigeon observed feeding on wild fig fruit . Very alert and shy bird . Brown cuckoo-dove,Eamw birds,Macropygia phasianella

Naming

* ''M. p. quinkan'' Schodde, 1989 - Cape York Peninsula
⤷  ''M. p. robinsoni'' Mathews, 1912 - Queensland
⤷  ''M. p. phasianella'' - East and Southeast Australia

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassAves
OrderColumbiformes
FamilyColumbidae
GenusMacropygia
SpeciesM. phasianella
Photographed in
Australia