Pheasant Pigeon by Winston D. Munnings
[Photo No. B-642]
The Pheasant Pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis) (in the foreground) is a large terrestrial pigeon found in the primary rainforests of New Guinea and nearby islands. It ranges primarily over hilly and lower mountain areas, but can also be found in lowlands. [The bird in the backgrouind is a female Crested Wood-Partridge (Rollulus rouloul) from southeast Asia.]
The pheasant pigeon is an unusual pigeon of uncertain affinities within the Columbidae, and is monotypic within the genus Otidiphaps (Gould, 1870), and the sub-family Otidiphabinae. Its scientific name makes reference to its similarities to the bustard family (Otidae). Its common name reflects its adaptation to living on the forest floor in the fashion of a South East Asian pheasant, which it resembles in external morphology, particularly in its laterally compressed tail and the rounded wings. No galliform birds occur in New Guinea, and the pheasant pigeon has filled the ecological niche of a partridge or small pheasant (while the larger Goura crowned pigeons have a lifestyle similar to larger pheasants, grouse or turkeys).
It is a highly secretive species, feeding on seeds and fallen fruits. It nests on the ground below trees and bushes, laying one egg that it incubates for around 4 weeks.
Please feel free to _Send Me An Email if you have any questions or comments about this image. Incidentally, the information provided is courtesy of Wikipedia._
Since I do receive questions from time to time about My Camera Gear, the following applies*…*
Camera
Nikon D300 (Two Bodies) ~ Nikon D200 (Back-Up)
Lens
AF Nikon 50mm (F/1.8) ~ AF Nikon 85mm (F/1.8) ~ AF Nikon 24-70mm (F/2.8) ~ AF Nikon 80-200mm (F/2.8) ~ AF Nikon 105mm (F/2.8) Micro Lens ~ AF Nikon 200mm (F/2.8) Micro Lens ~ AF Nikon 300mm (F/4)
© Winston D. Munnings ’2010 (Mounted Print)
Help us to identify this bird and receive an 8×10 custom print (free) for your efforts
Send Me An Email if you have questions_*…*
!http://resources.bravenet.com/resfilesoutput.php?section=clipart&file=div40.gif!
Comments
Beautiful composition
This is a very unusual bird! I have spent many hours crawling through the Rainforest in New Guinea trying to see this bird in the wild. It is a Pheasant Pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis_). The bird in the back round is a female Crested Wood-Partridge (_Rollulus rouloul) from southeast Asia.
Thanks ever much for identifying this bird. As you can see, I’ve alreaded my website and have provided appropriate info on The Pheasant Pigeon
– Winston D. Munnings
December 4, 2010
Thank you Teresa.
– Winston D. Munnings
CONGRATULATIONS on your wonderful feature, brilliant work and well earned.
Thank you Andrea. Much appreciated.
– Winston D. Munnings