The Torresian Imperial Pigeon (Ducula spilorrhoa), also known as the Nutmeg Pigeon, White Nutmeg Pigeon, Australian Pied Imperial Pigeon or Torres Strait Pigeon, is a relatively large, pied species of pigeon.
I spotted a pair hanging around the Gagadju Lodge in Cooinda.
The have a fairly large range in northern Australia and the island of New Guinea.
Stretching and looking pretty!
The Pink Pigeon (Columba mayeri) is a species of Columbidae (doves and pigeons) endemic to Mauritius, and is now very rare. It is the only Mascarene pigeon that has not gone extinct. It was on the brink of extinction in 1991 when only 10 individuals remained, but its numbers have increased due to the efforts of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust since 1977.
They even have a Mauritian locally produced rum named after them!
They are endemic to the island of Mauritius. Although they once could be found all over the island, they are now extremely rare and found only in Black River Gorges National Park and Ile aux Aigrettes, just off the eastern coast.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PINK PIGEONSDurrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
I could only find one short video of this bird on Arkive.
As promised, here are some of the amazing birds of Pretoriuskop Restcamp. I was thrilled to see so many Brown-headed Parrots which were my main target bird, but there were lots of other great birds too!
This first batch of photos was taken near the laundry room in the late afternoon.
Helmeted Guinea-fowl
African Green Pigeon
Purple-crested Turaco – stunning bird, photos don’t do them justice!
Black-collared Barbet
These remaining photos were taken early in the morning. We were up around 5:30 and we spent a good 3 hours just wandering around following the birds (especially the parrots) as they went about their daily activities.
Grey-headed Bush-shrike
Finally! A flock of Brown-headed Parrots!
They really like the trees just outside cabin 124!
African Mourning Dove
Scarlet-chested Sunbird
Meanwhile back at the cabin, Ina was watching the Crested Guinea-fowls who came right up to us and the monkeys who were trying to rob some campers of breakfast.
The Brown-headed Parrots beckoned again and we were off chasing them as they flew from tree to tree.
We also saw several Purple-headed Turacos!
The Grey Go-away Bird told me to g’wayyyyyyyy……………so I did and kept following the parrots.
Black-collared Barbet
G’waaayyyyyyyyyy!
Crested Barbet
Dark-capped Bulbul
Blue Waxbill
Southern Black Flycatcher
Red-headed Weaver
Black-backed Puffback
Yellow-fronted Canary
As we were pulling out of the camp, I spotted this Purple Crested Turaco and anther Bulbul in the trees outside reception.
Obviously this is not a complete list of all the birds you can find here, this is just what we saw on one particular early November morning.
Sometimes you have to work hard to see the best birds. Other times you can just sit back, relax and let them come to you. Kithulgala Resthouse is like this. You can sit in the garden, on your own patio or on the balcony at the restaurant. Since we were pretty tired that first day, we enjoyed a relaxing day just birding the grounds and even got several Sri Lankan endemics, including the beautiful Layard’s Parakeet – albeit from a distance.
The White-throated Kingfisher was easily spotted with his bright blue back and kept us entertained as he caught insects for dinner and fished in the river. I don’t know if this is the same one or not but we never saw two together.
There were several Layard’s Parakeets flying over the river. They never came close enough for a good photo but at least we got to see them! It’s really hard to spot them amidst the foliage and zooming in only blurred them even more.
Alexandrine Parakeets were distinguishable by their larger size and longer tail even though they didn’t want to come any closer.
This Orange Minivet tried to hide from the camera but his bright colours gave him away.
Some Sri Lanka Wood Pigeons were hanging around near the restaurant.
The staff kindly came and got me during lunch when a pair of Sri Lanka Grey Hornbills was spotted in a tree in the front.
A Little Cormorant showing off.
Cute Red-vented Bulbul
Shy Sri Lanka Drongo………..and one not so shy.
Common Mynahs foraging.
Not sure about these, any help?
Last but not least, a squirrel.
