The white-quilled rock pigeon is a dark brown rock pigeon with a white patch on its wing. It has distinctive pale lines across its face curving above and below its eye. It is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is a rock dweller found roosting on sandstone cliffs and towers in the Kimberley, WA and east of the Victoria River, NT. It is endemic to Australia.
Region
Northwest Australia
Typical Environment
Found on and around sandstone cliffs, towers, and escarpments of the Kimberley in Western Australia and east to the Victoria River area of the Northern Territory. It prefers rugged, rocky country with ledges, boulder fields, and adjacent open woodland or spinifex. Birds roost on cliff faces and under overhangs, moving to nearby rocky flats and creeklines to feed. Watercourses and shaded gullies are especially used during the heat of the day.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy, cliff-dwelling pigeon is notable for its bold white wing patch that flashes in flight against otherwise dark brown plumage. It hugs sandstone escarpments and gorges in the remote northwest of Australia and often explodes from cover with rapid, clattering wingbeats. Pairs or small groups are usually seen foraging quietly on rocky ground. Its soft, repetitive cooing can carry across gorge walls in the early morning.
White-quilled rock-pigeon on sandstone escarpment.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive takeoff; strong flier within gorges
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Likely monogamous, nesting on ledges, in crevices, or under rock overhangs with sparse lining. Clutch typically small (1–2 eggs), with both parents involved in incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, repeated cooing notes that carry in still conditions within ravines. When flushed, wings may produce audible claps, and contact calls are low and subdued.
Plumage
Overall dark chocolate-brown with a striking white patch formed by the primaries; fine scaling on the breast and paler throat. Distinct pale facial lines curve above and below the eye. The underwing shows white in flight, and the tail is dark with subtle pale edging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds of grasses and herbs gleaned from rocky ground and open patches near cliffs. Also takes small fruits and fallen berries when available. Occasional small invertebrates such as ants and beetles are consumed, especially after rain.
Preferred Environment
Forages on rocky ledges, boulder-strewn flats, and along creek margins at the base of escarpments. Uses shaded gullies and patches of spinifex and sparse woodland adjacent to cliffs for cover while feeding.
