Haven’t seen one of these in the garden before. I noticed what looked like a very fat pigeon on top of our pergola and when I went outside to get a closer look I discovered it was a Common Bronzewing. I’ve seen them at Lysterfield Park, but not here. These are from the pigeon family but are more heavily built and larger. Information at BirdsinBackyards tells me:
Feeding:
The Common Bronzewing feeds on seeds and other vegetable matter. The birds feed on the ground and in small parties. These small groups need to drink frequently, and visit waterholes during either the day or night.
Breeding:
Common Bronzewings build an untidy nest of sticks and twigs. It is normally placed low down in a tree or bush, but may be up to 20 m above the ground. The creamy-white eggs are incubated by both parents. Both adults also share the care of the young birds, which are born naked and helpless and are completely dependent on their parents. Bronzewings, like other pigeons, secrete a special milk-like substance from their crop, which is fed to the young chicks.
I did think it unusual to see only one. I looked for its partner but none were in sight.
