Petrophassa rufipennis
The Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon, *Petrophassa rufipennis*, is a striking and highly specialized endemic bird of Australia's Top End. Measuring 28-31 cm in length and weighing 150-180g, its plumage is predominantly dark brown to black, beautifully contrasted by a prominent, bright rufous (chestnut) patch on its primary flight feathers, particularly visible in flight and when the wings are folded. This iridescent pigeon also sports a subtle green and purple sheen on its neck and mantle, along ...
This pigeon exclusively inhabits rocky sandstone escarpments, gorges, and spinifex-dominated woodlands of northern Australia, typically at low to moderate elevations near permanent water sources.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds from grasses and herbaceous plants, supplemented occasionally by small fruits and opportunistic insects, all gleaned from the ground.
The Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon is a diurnal, largely terrestrial species, typically observed in pairs or small family groups. They forage by gleaning seeds and small fruits from the ground, often remaining cryptic among the rocks. Though generally shy, they can become accustomed to human presen...
The Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon is endemic to the tropical savanna and monsoon regions of north-central Australia. Its core breeding range extends across the rugged sandstone escarpments and gorges of Arnhem Land and the Top End of the Northern Territory. The distribution also includes parts of ...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon is one of only two species in the genus *Petrophassa*, both found exclusively in the rugged rock country of northern Australia. - Its flight is remarkably swift and direct, often accompanied by a distinct clatter of wings, an adaptation for navigating tight rock...