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Crested Pigeons are now an abundant urban bird in Canberra. In 2001-02, they
reached number 13 in the list of all species ranked by abundance (from 2463
observer weeks of data). They were rare here (and initially required rarity
forms to be endorsed by COG's rarities panel) until about 1989. What is
interesting is that since year 18 to year 21 of COG's GBS, (1998-99 to 2001-02)
their population has started to stabilise (i.e. stopped increasing). The graph
of their population change is so smooth, it is a lovely sight in biology. (All
details from my book "Canberra Birds: a report on the first 21 years of the
Garden Bird Survey.") The Spotted Turtle-doves are still rare and
restricted here. Where they do occur, the two species appear to feed
together.
Philip
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