Distribution and Habitat: indo malayan and australian regions form southern tenasscrim south and east to luzon in the phillipines , the lesser sunda islands, tenimber and kei islands, southern new guinea and australia. inhabits open country with some trees and bushy growth . also, at least in australia, wooded creek beds intersecting more open arid scrubland, gardens and agricultural land. . seldom or never in primeval jungle or forest other than at the edge or in clearings.
 

Feeding and General Habits : feeds and spends much of it's time on the ground. food cheifly small seeds of glasses and herbaceous plants. although chiefly a feeder on small seeds it will, at least in some areas, rapidly learn to take cultivated grains. commonly in pairs or family parties but large numbers of pairs or individuals may gather at good feeding grounds. simily but smaller gatherings may occur, at anyrate with non breeding birds, at favourite sun bathing or resting places.

Breeding: monogamous nests whenever condition suitable. in victoria, australia, from november to february . in south east asia in " early months of the year " . males have a courtship display of brisk bobbing with head down and tail up, while loudly calling. They do this on a high perch, facing the female. 1-2 white eggs are laid. Fledging 14-16 days As soon as the young leave the nest, a new clutch is begun. Lifespan up to 15 years.

Nesting: Nest is a flimsy stick platform of twigs, grasses and roots in a tree, tall bush. 8-10 cm in diameter and shallow, 2-3 cm deep. 14 days incubation. Both parents brood young. Both tend to the young and provide a very rich substance called pigeon milk for the chick’s first six or seven days. The next week food for the chick is regurgitated seeds and grain.

Nesting: Nest is a flimsy stick platform of twigs, grasses and roots in a tree, tall bush, or on a building. 11-15 cm in diameter and shallow, 2-3 cm deep. 14 days incubation. Both parents brood young. Both tend to the young and provide a very rich substance called pigeon milk for the chick’s first six or seven days. The next week food for the chick is regurgitated seeds and grain.