Distribution Map
Bar-shouldered Dove
Geopelia humeralis
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Bar-shouldered Dove is a medium-sized Australian bird known for its adaptability to urban environments and its presence in woodlands and mangroves. This species is native to northern and eastern Australia as well as Southern New Guinea.
Fun Facts
These doves exhibit cautious behaviour at waterholes despite being relatively tame in urban settings.
1. Copper-scaled hindneck patch is unique among doves in its range.
2. Pink shoulder bar on the lower breast is a primary identification marker.
3. Sharp colour contrast between blue-grey upper breast and pink lower breast.
Bar-shouldered Doves inhabit northern and eastern Australia, from the Pilbara region in Western Australia to Bega in New South Wales. They prefer woodlands with grassy understoreys near water, mangroves, and urban parks. These birds forage on the ground in short grass but stay close to cover. Their call, described as "cook-a-wook" or "coolicoo," is most often heard during mornings and late afternoons.
Physical Attributes
Height
28 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds62%
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