Geophaps
| Geophaps | ||||||||
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Letter dove ( Geophaps scripta ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||
| Geophaps | ||||||||
| Gray , 1842 |
Geophaps is a genus of pigeon birds. The three species belonging to the genus occur exclusively in Australia. One of the best-known representatives of the genus is the Spinifex pigeon , which stands out for its long, upright head of feathers. As the mop dove and the Australian soil pigeons are very strong also adjusted the species of this genus to a soil life.
Appearance
The species of the genus Geophaps reach a body length between 20 and 28 centimeters. The smallest species is the Spinifex pigeon, which is 20 centimeters long and is smaller than a laughing pigeon . The letter pigeon and the red-rimmed pigeon , on the other hand, are 28 centimeters long.
Red-rimmed pigeons and letter pigeons have an almost partridge-like shape. The Spinifex pigeon, on the other hand, is reminiscent of a quail . The plumage is yellowish-brown to brown. The flight of the Geophaps species is reminiscent of that of the pheasants . The whirring flight noise is characteristic .
distribution and habitat
The species of the genus Geophaps are limited in their range to the northwest, north and northeast of Australia. Their habitat is not as arid as it is characteristic of the Australian ground pigeons. The letter dove lives in open areas, but mostly lives near water. The red-capped pigeon lives in grasslands interspersed with trees. The Spinifex pigeon uses the driest habitat of the three species and inhabits rocky and stony areas with low shrubbery and spinifex grass. It usually only stays near smaller water points.
behavior
All three species are very well adapted to life on the ground. The Spinifex pigeon almost never flies on trees, but does fly long distances. When threatened, the letter pigeon initially flees continuously and only flies up relatively late. All three species build their nests on the ground. The clutch consists of two eggs.
species
The following three species are included in the genus Geophaps :
- Spinifex pigeon ( Geophaps plumifera )
- Red-capped pigeon ( Geophaps smithii )
- Letter dove ( Geophaps scripta )
supporting documents
Individual evidence
literature
- David Gibbs, Eustace Barnes and John Cox: Pigeons and Doves - A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World . Pica Press, Sussex 2001, ISBN 90-74345-26-3 .
- Gerhard Rösler: The wild pigeons of the earth - free life, keeping and breeding , Verlag M. & H. Schaper, Alfeld Hannover 1996, ISBN 3-7944-0184-0 .
