The topknot pigeon is a pigeon native to eastern Australia.
Region
Eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Most common along the coastal and subcoastal ranges from far north Queensland south through New South Wales, with sporadic occurrences into eastern Victoria. It favors subtropical and tropical rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and forest edges with abundant fruiting trees. Birds often move widely and unpredictably, concentrating where figs, palms, and other native fruits are ripening. They will also utilize regrowth forests, riparian corridors, and sometimes rural areas with fruiting ornamental trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The topknot pigeon is a large, crested fruit dove endemic to eastern Australia, easily recognized by its two-toned forward-swept crest. It travels in flocks and is highly nomadic, tracking seasonal fruit crops—especially native figs—across rainforest and eucalypt edges. Once heavily persecuted, it has rebounded under protection, and is now commonly seen flying high over forest canopies.
Laminington Nat'l Park - Australia (flash photo)
Temperament
wary but gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms medium to large flocks that roam widely to locate fruiting trees. Pairs nest high in the canopy on a flimsy stick platform, typically laying a single egg. Outside the breeding season, birds are highly mobile and may aggregate at major food sources, then disperse quickly when supplies are exhausted.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low, resonant coos that can be hard to detect over forest noise. In flight or when flushing, wings can produce an audible clatter or whirr, serving as an additional signal.
Plumage
Mostly smooth slate-grey with paler underparts and a darker tail showing a pale terminal band. The hallmark feature is a long, forward-swept crest with a pale grey forecrest and chestnut to rufous hindcrest. Feathers are sleek and unspotted, giving a clean, uniform look in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes fleshy fruits, particularly native figs (Ficus spp.), but also takes palm fruits (e.g., bangalow palm) and a variety of rainforest berries. It may supplement with introduced fruits such as camphor laurel when abundant. Birds swallow fruits whole and disperse seeds over long distances, playing a key role in rainforest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the upper to mid-canopy of rainforest and wet forest, often moving between fruiting trees across ridges and valleys. Will also forage along forest edges, riparian strips, and in parks or farmlands with large fruiting trees.
