Spinifex pigeons are small, rusty-coloured pigeons with a tall, pointed crest on the head. Like their relatives the bronzewings, they make a loud whirring sound with their wings when they take off.
This sound may help warn other birds on the ground of predators nearby.
Origin, Residence, and Migration Of The Spinifex
Spinifex birds belong to the Geophaps genus (opens in new tab) and are part of the family Columbidae.
They are one of three species in this genus, all found only in Australia (Australia has around 25 native species of pigeon including the Wonga pigeon and Bronzewing pigeon).
These pigeons are native to Australia and can’t be found anywhere else.
They mostly reside in northern and central Australia.
You can find them in areas that have rocks, mountains, creek beds, and grass, especially spinifex grass.
They usually live within reach of water, although they can cope in very dry country.
They don’t usually migrate either because, as we mentioned, they keep close to water sources.
They do, however, change between flocks.
A group of spinifex pigeons might leave their current flock to spend some time in another flock and then return.
They seem to pay short visits to other flocks.
Spinifex pigeons are sociable.
They are usually seen in pairs or small groups, and larger flocks sometimes gather at water.
Spinifex Pigeon Appearance and Size
Their most noticeable feature is the tall, pointed crest.
It gives them a very distinctive look.
In terms of color, these birds come in shades of rufous-brown and their wings and back have thin, bar-like black patterns.
| Wingspan | Length | Weight | Coloring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinifex Pigeon | 30 – 35 cm | 20 – 23.5 cm | 80 – 110 g | Rufous-brown with some grey, black and white markings |
| Average Feral Pigeon | 64 – 72 cm | 29 – 37 cm | 240 – 380 g | Bluish grey with some black |
The majority of them have white bellies but some of their subspecies have brown bellies as well.
Their bills and throats are a shiny black color, and the sides of their crowns and foreheads are a pale gray shade.
Their legs and feet are greyish, and their face has a patch of bright red bare skin.
They also have some unique color features.
For example, the edge of their face has a shiny black stripe that looks like a frame and there’s a white stripe that stretches from their chins to the back of their eyes and another white stripe that’s visible across their chests.
When it comes to size, spinifex pigeons are definitely smaller than your average pigeon.
Their length is around 20 to 23.5 cm, with a wingspan of 30 to 35 cm, and they weigh around 80 to 110 grams.
An average feral pigeon, by comparison, is about 29 to 37 cm long, with a wingspan of 64 to 72 cm.
It typically weighs about 240 to 380 grams.
Diet and Domestication
Spinifex pigeons mainly eat seeds of grasses and herbs.
Because they spend a lot of time in areas with spinifex grass, its seeds are part of their diet.
They also eat some insects, reportedly including worms and ants.
Spinifex pigeons are sometimes kept as pets by aviculturists, where local wildlife laws allow.
In the wild they are protected, and you can often see them in national parks and reserves in northern and central Australia.
If you see them while camping, enjoy watching them, but avoid feeding wild birds.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Spinifex pigeons breed mainly from late winter to early summer (about August to January), but can breed at other times, especially after rain.
The eggs are known to have a cream-like white color and females usually lay two eggs every breeding season.
Spinifex pigeons nest mostly on the ground during the breeding season, and both males and females take shifts in the nesting duties and both of them participate in the incubation of the eggs.
The incubation process lasts for about 16 to 18 days.
The chicks grow fast and can fly at around two weeks old.
They then stay with their parents for a while before becoming independent.
There’s no available record of the exact time span of spinifex pigeons specifically.
Pigeons in general often live around 6 years in the wild, and up to 15 years or more in captivity.
Are Spinifex Pigeons Rare?
Spinifex pigeons are put in the “Least Concern” category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
They are common in suitable habitat across a large part of Australia, and their numbers are thought to be stable.
Conclusion
With their crest, bright face and rusty plumage, spinifex pigeons are easy to recognise, and they are not currently under threat.
Last updated 30 October 2026 · Types