Being able to identify male and female Topknot Pigeons usually rests with being able to see the longer crest and less streaking on the breast of the male.
Whilst observing a pair of Topknots nesting, our Convenor, Judith Hoyle noted a marked difference in the size and patterning of the blue fleshy part above the bill in the male. Further observations of males and females suggest that, at close range, this is a consistent method of separating males from females in the field. This has not been referenced in the literature associated with this species. It is not known if this is a feature only present in breeding birds. In addition, initial observations also suggest that the blue fleshy parts of males have subtle differences in the grooves and patterns associated with this facial feature. If this can be demonstrated, it provides a mechanism to identify individual males in the field.
Clearly further work is required to determine both hypotheses.
If you have good quality close photos of Topknot Pigeons, we would be most grateful if you would share them via email to southernqld@birdlife.org.au .
 |
| Topknot Pigeon |
The date, or at least the month, the photo(s) were taken is important to determine whether the field mark is related to breeding males.
Permission to use of any photos in publications would be sought and appropriate citations would be included in any published papers.
