Squatter pigeon
| Squatter pigeon | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Columbiformes |
| Family: | Columbidae |
| Genus: | Geophaps |
| Species: | G. scripta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Geophaps scripta (Temminck, 1821)
| |
The squatter pigeon (Geophaps scripta) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to northeastern Australia. According to Australia's then Department of the Environment and Energy, the nominate subspecies, southern squatter pigeon (Geophapa scripta scripta) is listed as vulnerable. It lives in arid and semi-arid areas, including grasslands and dry sclerophyll forests, and nest in shallow depressions in the ground. About 95% of the diet of these birds consists of seeds, as they are known for foraging on the ground.