Squatter Pigeon (southern subspecies) - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Geophaps scripta scripta

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 16 Dec 2016

Profile last updated: 07 Jun 2021

Description

Squatter Pigeons are medium-sized ground-dwelling pigeons. They are brown with black and white markings on the face and a blue-grey breast bordered below by a white ‘V’. The mottled brown wings have a metallic green and purple patch.

Distribution

Found from north Queensland to the North West Slopes of NSW and extending down to the Liverpool Plains and Dubbo. Today they are very rare in the southern parts of their range.

Habitat and ecology

Grassy woodlands and plains, preferring sandy areas and usually close to water.
Feed on the ground, on seeds of grasses, herbs and shrubs, as well as insects.
Nest on the ground.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of grassy woodland habitat for agriculture and development.
Overgrazing of habitat by domestic stock and feral rabbits.
Trampling of nests by domestic stock.
Predation by feral cats and foxes.
Illegal shooting.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Assist with the control of feral rabbits, cats and foxes.
Manage fire in areas of potential habitat to maintain native grass cover.
Exclude grazing during the spring breeding season at sites where Squatter Pigeons have been seen.
Protect grassy woodland areas from clearing, fragmentation or development.
Expand and reconnect smaller fragments of habitat.
Report any sightings of the Squatter Pigeon in NSW to the DEC.

Information sources

Higgins, P. and Davies, S. (eds.) (1996) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 3: Snipe to Pigeons. (Oxford University Press, Melbourne)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Brigalow Belt South	Northern Basalts	Known	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Castlereagh-Barwon	Predicted	East of 149 Degrees longitude
Nandewar	Nandewar Northern Complex	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Severn River Volcanics	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None

Sounds

Images

Squatter Pigeon
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Related information

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Nature conservation

Threatened species