picture by D. Bell

Bleeding Heart Pigeon Columba luzonica 

This is the most striking of all the bleeding hearts, 
with its outstand breast markings. As the sexes are 
alike it is extremely difficult to differentiate bet-
ween male and female. Now in diminishing num-
bers in their native land The Phillipines, these 
doves are being bred in Australian aviaries, but 
are very difficult to breed. They love lots of protein 
and fruit, specially pawpaw seeds. They prefer 
grubs, meal worms and white ants for their 
protein supply. Once they get going they are 
good breeders and produce two young, hence the 
saying A Pigeon Pair. A worth while project, albeit 
expensive bird.