Friday, October 15, 2010

The not so common, Common Bronzewing. 10

A little while back, we started feeding the Birds hanging around our place, in an attempt to encourage some of the local parrots to visit with us. Along with the common birds like the spotted doves and Myrnas (Both the Native Noisy Myrna & imported Indian ones) and the desired parrots, we also had some crested Pigeons visit too. And then one day we saw another strange type of pigeon amongst them. And a very pretty one too. Upon making enquiries I was told that it was a Common Bronzewing Pigeon.
Now according to Wikapedia, “The Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera) is a species of medium-sized, heavily built pigeon.[1] Native to Australia and one of the country's most common pigeons, the Common Bronzewing is able to live in almost any habitat, with the possible exception of very barren areas and dense rainforests.[2]
As already stated, it is very pretty. Again according to Wikapedia, “Males of the species have pale-yellow to yellow-white foreheads, and pink breasts.[1][3] Both males and females have an easily discernible white line around and close to their eyes. Common Bronzewings also have patches of red, blue and green on their wings, a feature which is characteristic of all Bronzewing pigeons.[1][3] Young birds are usually duller in colour and browner than the mature Common Bronzewing. Common Bronzewings are, on average, between 30–36 centimetres (12–14 in) in length.[2]
Although Wikapedia above says it is very common and it is also supposedly common to the area where I grew up, (not that far from here), I can’t ever remember seeing one before and certainly not this close to human habitation. But now I have seen one up close and personal and on our decking rail! Very happy am I too!
So now we have a male Common Bronze wing pigeon visit us, in what was his/it‘s common native area, but where they are now rarely seen. So today’s query is what are some other things or animals, that used to be common in your area, but aren’t anymore, although an odd one or two may still be around? Your responses please?

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