About Phaps histrionica (Gould, 1841)
The flock bronzewing, scientifically named Phaps histrionica (Gould, 1841), is the most nomadic of all Australian pigeons, and cannot be easily confused with any other Australian pigeon species. Adult flock bronzewings measure 280–305 mm in length, have a wing length of 189–216 mm, and weigh between 260 and 320 grams. Compared to all other Australian pigeons, the flock bronzewing is the best adapted to the arid plains of Australia. Its preferred habitat consists of open grassland plains, clumped grasses, and small shrubs with open spaces. One major area with this suitable habitat where the species occurs is the grass plains of the Barkly Tableland. The flock bronzewing reaches its highest abundance in the Barkly Tablelands of eastern Northern Territory and Western Queensland. It has a very large overall range, and can occasionally be found in the Kimberly region of Western Australia, northern South Australia, and northwestern New South Wales. It is no longer present at its type locality on the Liverpool Plains, New South Wales. The flock bronzewing’s main food source is seeds from grasses, herbs, and shrubs, though it occasionally feeds on green shoots. After cattle were introduced to the Australian interior, the species adapted to also feed on undigested seeds found in cattle dung. Specific types of seeds consumed by the species include those of desert spurge, camel bush, yellow daisy, and river grass.
