September–October 2015 45NATUR AL HISTORY
Wonga pigeon
Leucosarcia melanoleuca Length: 44cm
Heavily built, this long-legged pigeon can be
found in coastal and hinterland forests from
about Rockhampton, QLD, to Gippsland,
VIC. When threatened, it turns its back
on the source of danger and sits
immobile, head down and looking
back towards the threat. The
raised tail displays barred
patterns on the lower flanks
and under-tail, effective
camouflage in the dappled
sunlight of its forest home.
An Aboriginal story from
the Illawarra, NSW, tells of
how a dying wonga stained
a white waratah red with
her blood in gratitude for
its help in a struggle with
a goshawk.
Pied imperial pigeon
Ducula bicolor Length: 38cmImperial is a very apt description for this
majestic bird, which is found across northern
Australia, including offshore islands, from
about Derby, WA, to Rockhampton, QLD. Its
bulk and striking colour pattern make it
appear even larger than it is. This species is
often found in mangrove forests and in the
vine forests of the Kimberley, particularly those
rich in figs. The species was heavily hunted- both legally and illegally – until the 1960s,
when the slaughter of 1000 birds on the
Brook Islands prompted public outrage.