The pest with a crest

We have a large number of Crested Pigeons in and near our garden. We love seeing them and observing their iridescent colours reflecting in the sun. We are always amused by their flimsy nests; how do the eggs stay in the nest?

Last week I visited the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. I saw a different side to this wonderful bird. Here they have bred into pest proportions. Near the restaurant and fast food outlet they hang around the tables waiting for food thrown by the customers. I even saw several actually on the tables almost taking food off the plates of the picnickers.

In most places, including the nearby Adelaide Zoo, the dominant species is the usual Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove). Here the Crested Pigeon seems to have created their own little niche. I saw no Feral Pigeons there at all. Perhaps they were all visiting the zoo!

Crested Pigeon