88 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
notes. Also called Rock-pigeon. Usually in pairs or small flocks, 
frequenting sandstone country. As a rule it is rather a shy bird, 
difficult to flush, relying on its protective coloration to render it 
inconspicuous. If flushed, it rises with a whirr, but only flies a short 
distance, and usually alights on a bare rock. Food: seeds of grasses 
and herbaceous plants, procured on the ground. 
nest. A slight hollow about 2 inches in depth, scooped in the ground 
near a small tuft of spinifex or stone; lined with soft dead grass. 
eggs. Usually two, cream-colour or creamy-white. Breeding-season: 
eggs have been taken in July and October. 
7. Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon Pctrophassa rufipennis Collett 
ru-fi-pen'-nis— L., rufus , red; L., penna , feather. 
distribution. Arnhem Land (Northern Territory). 
notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the stony parts 
of the sandstone hills. It is a shy bird, hiding among the rocks, the 
colours of which harmonize perfectly with its plumage. Food: seeds 
of grasses and herbaceous plants. 
nest. Not described. 
eggs. Not described. 
8. Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Temminck 
O'-cy-phaps—G k, ocys (okus) t swift; Gk, phaps, pigeon: loph-d'-tes—G k, 
lophotes , crested. 
distribution. Australia (except the north-western portion). 
notes. Also called Top-knot Pigeon and Crested Bronze-wing. 
Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting chiefly the inland districts. Its 
favourite haunts are scrubs bordering waterways or about dams. Its 
flight is rapid, accompanied with a loud whirring noise of the wings. 
Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, procured on the ground. 
nest. A frail platform composed of twigs laid crosswise; usually 
placed in a bushy horizontal branch, at heights up to 20 feet from 
the ground. 
eggs. Usually two, pure white. Breeding-season: practically through¬ 
out the year, but chiefly during the spring and summer months. 
9. Squatter Pigeon Geophaps scripta Temminck 
Ge'-o-phaps-G k, ge, earth; Gk, phaps , pigeon: scrip'-ta- L., scriptus, 
written. 
distribution. Eastern Northern Territory, Queensland, and 
western New South Wales. 
notes. Also called Partridge Bronze-wing. Usually in small flocks, 
frequenting chiefly the open country of the inland districts. When 
flushed, the flock rises with a loud whirring noise of the wings, the 
individuals scattering to seek cover among the grass. Its flesh is 
