The eye-catching iridescent feathers on the wing of the Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera) flash from copper to bronze and purple to green, depending on how the light falls.
This member of the seed-eating doves is widespread and abundant across much of Australia, including Tasmania. It is found in almost all wooded habitats, except the very densest and wettest rain forests. Common in coastal heaths, various types of arid scrub and is also found on salt-bush plains and open grassland where some shrubs and trees persist. Habitats modified by man are utilised, including farmland, gardens and along roadsides.
The Common Bronzewing has been deservedly popular in UK aviculture in years gone by, but how many remain? As a peaceable species it fares well in a mixed aviary. The advertising call is often likened to blowing across the top of an empty bottle, and when alarmed or just surprised, this dove makes a growling distress call.
First UK breeding has been attributed to Lord Derby’s Aviaries in 1851, however, the Avicultural Society’s 2011 record lists them as first bred at London Zoo in 1873.
Though both sexes are similar, the male’s shining wing jewels are slightly bigger, and he has a buff forehead patch, rather than the grey forehead of the female.
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