Australian Crested Pigeon
(Ocyphaps lophotes)

Also called the Crested Bronze-winged pigeon.  Native to Australia, they are distinguished by the small, erect black crest on top of the head.  When flying these birds make a whistling sound with their wings.  Air passing over a modified primary feather on the wing produces the whistling sound.  Upon landing, the pigeon swings its tail high in the air.  The male, or cock, can be distinguished by bolder colors and temperament, and slightly larger body size.  Typical "iris" coloration in adult males is a red-orange outer ring and yellow inner ring.  Adult females typically do not have the two colors in their iris, which can be greenish grey in color.  They acclimatize well to different climates.  The cock will display to the female during breeding season by "bowing before her with tail held stiffly erect and his wings open and drooping to show the splendid colors ranging from purplish-red to blue to green."  Both sexes incubate the eggs for about 18 days, and the chicks remain in the nest another 18 days.  Full adult plumage is not attained until the birds are about 6 months old.  Diet includes a variety of seed, insects and greens.  They enjoy regular dust baths and should have a sandy substrate in their aviary.