Bar-shouldered Dove

Geopelia humeralis (Temminck, 1821)

Bar-shouldered Dove, Geopelia humeralis, breeds in south-east New Guinea and northern and eastern Australia. It is a dove of thick cover where water is available, including damp gullies, forests, gorges, mangroves, plantations, swamps, eucalyptus woodland, tropical and subtropical scrub, and river edges. It is recognised by its blue-grey breast, brown-bronze chequered wings and copper-toned nape feathers. The throat lacks the streaking seen in the peaceful dove. It is often seen in pairs, groups or loose flocks, and its flight is direct and swift.

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae — Pigeons, Doves

Breeding range

Australasia: sc, se New Guinea and n, e Australia