Crested Pigeons

In almost everything that we read through the internet regarding pigeons, it is always about how to deal with them as pests. We constantly search for articles that talk about ways on how to control or get rid of them but we rarely look for topics that talk about them not as pests. Is it really because that the rest of the world considers them as full pledged pests that brings about nothing but nuisance to the human race; destruction of properties and impedance to productivity? Do they have no other purpose other than that? Or is it just that we always never fail to look at the bad side of things but barely even notice that the simplest great things?

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Pigeons are never really the creatures of destruction. Unlike the other regarded pests such as rats and termites that are truly considered harbingers of destruction, pigeons on the other hand are simply just harmless creatures being in the wrong places. They don't feed on valuable properties or destroy anything, but they only do cause problems when they sit around rooftops and drop dumps everywhere. This is the only generic problem with pigeons and that in itself isn't really a gargantuan task to tackle. Especially with the advancements of technology we now have these days, such problems could be dealt with without executing considerable amount of efforts and labor.

Pigeons should not be hated. Instead they should be appreciated. Of course you would have to deal with the problems they cause to your house when they swarm, but destroying isn't the appropriate course of action in retribution to the issues they give you. In fact, pigeons should be taken cared of because despite their multitude in population, their species are highly susceptible to endangerment. A sustaining killing routing of these pigeons will eventually lead to the destruction of the species like what happened to one of its family species, the passenger pigeons that were once the most numerous birds in the world now reduced to extinction.

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There are other pigeon species in the world that also needs taking care of. Slowly they dwindle in numbers and it won t be any time soon that their species will also be wiped out in the face of the earth just like their other relatives. However, protection of these species should not only be limited to them but they have to be to all the species of pigeons that exist in the world. We can catalyze that progressive action by starting with not killing the pigeons as we see them drift near our homes but by simply capturing them and relocating them back to their natural habitats. Also, we can start becoming advocates to safeguarding the species of pigeons by learning more about them starting with learning one of their species and being able to identify them wherever they are present.

In this article we will talk about one of the several endangered species of pigeons on the planet. It is important that we get to know these species of pigeons so that we will be able to identify them once we see them. Identifying them would prevent us from taking any dangerous actions and as well as prevent others who will as well. We will be talking about the crested pigeons that are endemic in Australia.

The Crested Pigeons

Crested pigeons are not really that large of a pigeon as their sizes could only range from 30-35 cm and they could only weigh from 120-230 grams. They are widespread in their range; however, the number of their species is considerably reduced in the outside of their natural habitats. Also, their total number of species is relatively small and should still be considered as nearly endangered therefore, actions that threaten the species should be curbed. Like what was said earlier, crested pigeons are endemic to the Australian continent.

Description

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It's not really that hard to identify a crested pigeon as they have certain unique characteristics that make them easily distinguishable. However, when you do see one, don't hurt it and try your best to do something to keep it safe from the possible dangers that might come to it. The upper parts of the crested pigeon are greyish brown. Crested pigeons have very noticeable black scapulars and barring in the coverts of their wings. Also, the coverts possess different varying colors such as tertials, greaters and secondaries have a glossy metallic characteristic in its color. They also poses prominent white fringes in its body. Most of its tail is grey brown, however, the color fades when it reaches the tip.

Often the side of its neck as well as its breast are colored lightly with vinous pink. They have vents that are buffy-grey color. The coverts of their undertail are much more dark grey.

The head of a crested pigeon is colored with soft grey in some of its parts and has a conspicuously long crest (thus the name). The crest is colored grey in its base and black on its tip. Usually the crest is erect and the nape is colored dark grey. The color of their bill would be grey to black with a grey base. The color of their eyes is orange with a pinkish red ring outside.

Habitat

Crested pigeons can often be found inhabiting in dry grasslands near some water deposits which can be a source of sustenance water. They also live in dry open woodlands, often near Eucalyptus trees and some water deposits. Crested pigeon don't like humid, moister environments and would not like damp surroundings. They also drift away from places with arid terrestrials with no or less trees around. However, crested pigeons are able to live through the urban areas of Australia and they have somehow well adapted in the certain disturbed environments.

Range

The crested pigeons can be found in almost all places in Australia but they are most common in the Kangaroo Islands wherein they find the island as the most suitable habitat for them to live in.