Desert Dwellers

Pastels on Pastelmat Board ($POA)

Image Size 44cm h x 60cm w

Spinifex pigeons (Geophaps plumifera) are unique among many other desert birds in that they are sedentary arid spinifex habitat specialists. They are capable of enduring extreme conditions and love sunbathing on hot rocks even in blistering desert heat.
They are a predominantly terrestrial species, weak distance fliers that rely instead on sprinting like cartoon roadrunners, and on the camouflage provided by their cinnamon-coloured plumage against the red desert sand and rocks to escape predators. Their permanent, tall feather spike bobbles as they run. When they do fly, their wings make a loud, dramatic whirring sound.
They are usually found in pairs or small groups congregating around water sources.