This, “to strike each other with their wings”
is a (one of a few) regular fighting tactics in this and various other pigeons (Ring-necked, Peaceful, Diamond Doves and presumably others).
Philip
From: Martin Butterfield [
Sent: Friday, 25 May, 2018 6:39 AM
To: COG List
Subject: [canberrabirds] Crested Pigeon behaviour
This comes from Adelaide but I wonder if similar events have been seen in the Canberra region. Heading out yesterday morning I heard a loud clapping noise coming from the powerlines above our accommodation.
It was a pair of Crested Pigeons which on first sighting were doing the usual chest-puffing tail-raising display behaviour. Then they moved closer together and appeared to strike each other with their wings. This happened several times.
I've never seen them hit one one another before and wonder if they were making love or war?