Nikki's Gallery:   Crested Pigeon (1/2)

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

Ocyphaps lophotes  

All of the pigeon family feed their young "milk".

It is similar to mammal's milk, rich in protein with a fat content greater than cow's milk.

Liquid is produced by the flaking off and liquefying of skin in the bird's crop.

Source: Reader's Digest Complete Book of Birds. 2nd ed. Sydney: Reader's Digest Sydney, 1976.