How to Feed Topknot Birds

The topknot pigeon is named for the rust-colored crest that sits awkwardly atop its head. Females have smaller, brown crests, but both male and female topknot pigeons have light gray feathers near the neck that progressively darken toward the wing tips, which are a dark charcoal gray. Topknot pigeons are acrobatic frugivores, or fruit-eating birds, that sometimes hang upside-down, flapping their wings for balance, to reach ripe fruit. Topknot pigeons are often seen near homes on the eastern coast of Australia, where natural rain forests have been replaced with farmhouses or residential homes.

Things You'll Need

  • Plums
  • Red or yellow finger limes
  • Cherries
  • Raspberries
  • Champhor laurel tree (optional)
  • Tray bird feeder (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plant a camphor laurel tree in your backyard. Topknot pigeons have adapted their diet to include the black berries that grow on this tree, as their natural fruit diet has dwindled because of habitat loss. These trees are commonly used for landscaping in Australia, but do not consume the fruit yourself, as it is harmful to humans.

    • 2

      Spread out fruit for the topknot pigeons on your lawn, if you see them roosting nearby. Cherries, raspberries, plums and red or yellow finger limes are coveted by these birds.

    • 3

      Install a tray or platform bird feeder in your yard. Fill the tray with leftover fruit scraps and watch the topknot pigeons feed.