The common bronzewing is a medium-sized, heavily built pigeon. It is a sturdy bird adaptable to most environments.
This pigeon species is native to Australia, although a few are kept by aviculturists in the UK, USA and Europe.
Origins of the Common Bronzewing
Very numerous, the common bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera) is a hardy pigeon species native to Australia.
It is one of the most common pigeons that you will find in the country (Australia has around 25 native species of pigeon including the Wonga pigeon ).
The species is widespread and is found across different regions of Australia.
It is usually treated as a single species without recognised subspecies.
Birds vary a little across its huge range, mostly in response to local habitat.
Related or similar Australian pigeons that are sometimes confused with it include:
- brush bronzewing
- flock bronzewing
- crested pigeon
- spinifex pigeon
- partridge pigeon
- squatter pigeon
The common bronzewing has been known since colonial times. In his book “The Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay (opens in new tab)” (1789), an account of the First Fleet expedition, Captain Arthur Phillip pictured and described the bird.
John Latham formally described the species in 1790. It was long called the common bronzewing pigeon, but gradually pigeon was dropped and in 1931, Neville Cayley listed it simply as common bronzewing in his famous work “What Bird Is That (opens in new tab)?”
Whatever the name, the common bronzewing is a pigeon, and a striking one.
Distribution And Habitat of the Common Bronzewing
The common bronzewing has adapted to many different habitats across Australia.
The main exceptions are areas that are extremely barren and areas that are extremely dense rainforests. Something that is a certainty, however, is that common bronzewings are rarely ever found too far away from a source of water.
The species is so closely tied to water that people in the outback were said to follow the birds to it. A frequently told story says that common bronzewings helped explorer Charles Sturt (opens in new tab) find water when he was in desperate need.
It is still widespread. The common bronzewing is rarely kept as a cage bird today, and it is no longer widely hunted for food (see pigeon meat).
The common bronzewing is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Appearance of the Common Bronzewing
| Wingspan | Length | Weight | Coloring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Bronzewing Pigeon | 50 – 58 cm | 30 – 36 cm | 230 – 390 g | Males: brown with an iridescent patch of green, blue and red on the wings. Females: greyer, with the same wing patch |
| Average Feral Pigeon | 64 – 72 cm | 32 – 37cm | 300 – 500 g | Bluish grey with some black. |
As with many species of pigeon, the appearance of the common bronzewing differs between the sexes.
Male common bronzewings have foreheads that range from pale yellow to yellow-white, accompanied by pink breasts. Both males and females share a noticeable white line around their eyes.
Common bronzewings also have striking iridescent patches of green, red and blue on their wings. Young birds are duller than adults.
The coloring provides fairly decent camouflage, enabling the birds to blend in with the ground and particularly, leaf litter.
Generally, common bronzewings are smaller than the feral pigeons that are common across the world. They are shorter, weigh less and have shorter wingspans.
Character of the Common Bronzewing
Common bronzewings tend to be very cautious birds. This means that it is very difficult for both humans and other animals to be successful in approaching them.
It may be seen alone, in pairs or in small flocks.
Rather than a more typical cooing sound, this bird’s call is a deep, mournful “oom”.
Common bronzewings were once kept as cage and aviary birds, but they are not commonly kept today.
Diet of a Common Bronzewing
The common bronzewing is a ground feeder. Like many pigeons, it eats mainly seeds, including seeds of wattles (acacias) and other native plants, plus some other plant matter.
It usually forages on the ground alone, in pairs or in small groups.
In dry country it has to be careful not to become dehydrated.
It drinks regularly, usually at dawn or dusk, using water holes and other sources of water within its range.
The Mating and Breeding Process of Common Bronzewings
This pigeon builds a rough nest of sticks and twigs, usually placed fairly low in a bush or tree.
Pigeon eggs hatch roughly 14 to 16 days after laying, with both the male and female taking turns to incubate. Both parents also care for the young, as is usual in pigeons.
Like all pigeons, the common bronzewing produces crop milk to feed its hatchlings.
As an Australian bird, the common bronzewing is rarely available to European and American aviculturists, although birds are occasionally offered for sale.
Last updated 30 October 2026 · Types