Victoria crowned pigeon- Facts, Habitat, and Diet etc

Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Victoria crowned pigeons, named in honor of a queen from the 1800s, are remarkable birds residing near New Guinea. In contrast to their urban counterparts in London, these elegant pigeons inhabit swamp woodlands and nearby islands.

The Victoria crowned pigeon is notable for its large size and bluish-grey coloration. With red irises, a maroon breast, and intricate blue crests resembling lace, this bird is one of four ground-dwelling species belonging to the Goura genus.

Identification of the Victoria crowned pigeon is facilitated by its distinctive ‘whooping‘ calls and the characteristic white tips on its crests. The naming of this bird is in honor of Queen Victoria, the British monarch.

Belonging to a group of four significant ground-dwelling pigeon families, which also includes the Western crowned pigeon, Sclater’s crowned pigeon, and Scheepmaker’s crowned pigeon, they typically forage in pairs or small groups, feeding on insects, seeds, and fallen fruits such as figs.

Despite their global presence, the Victoria crowned pigeons are designated as near endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Nevertheless, their reproductive adaptability and widespread appeal offer a hopeful outlook against the threat of extinction.

John Green said :

“I was amazed by the Victoria crowned pigeon, a stunning display of nature’s beauty. Each shining feather seemed to say the poetic story of creation”

Victoria Crowned Pigeon Pinterest

Images of Victoria Crowned Pigeon Baby

Appearance

The Victoria crowned pigeon, a standout bird from New Guinea, features a bluish-grey hue, maroon chest, and crimson eyes. Belonging to the Goura genus, it’s one of four notable ground-dwelling pigeon species.

Recognizable by its distinctive blue lace-like crest and powerful whooping calls, this pigeon is easily identified in the region.

Video of Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Distribution of Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Geography

The Victoria crowned pigeon is found in Northern New Guinea, its surrounding islands, and various regions of Indonesia. These majestic birds are commonly found in sago forests, as well as in other lowland swamp and damp forest ecosystems, which were originally alluvial plains. The Victoria crowned pigeon origin is primarily in New Guinea.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon Habitat and Lifestyle

Birds with a Victoria crest are friendly and active. They like to search for food in pairs or small groups on the ground. If something startles them, they quickly fly up into a tree or onto a high branch. At night, they return to the ground to rest. In terms of lifestyle, they can be categorized as tree-dwelling, terrestrial, and requiring care. Interestingly, their seasonal behavior is characterized by a lack of travelers among them.

When they feel threatened, these birds might get a bit fidgety and make calls for a while. The male birds often try to show they’re in charge by raising their wings and puffing up their chests, like they’re getting ready for a face-off.

During the early stages of mating season, Victoria crowned pigeons exhibit brief dashes and occasional collisions, although physical contact is infrequent, and interactions with other males are typically peaceful. These pigeons possess an extensive vocal repertoire, emitting a low, muted ummm or hmmm that bears a resemblance to human sounds.

When in flight, they produce a distinctive clapping noise, and during mating rituals, a deep hoota-hoota-hoota-hoota sound can be heard. Additionally, when defending their territories, these birds issue a loud whup-up, whup-up, whup-up call.

Eating Habits and Nutritional Intake

Victoria crowned pigeons primarily consume Graivores and herbivores, consisting of fallen fruit, berries, seeds, and small invertebrates as significant components of their diet.

Milk Pigeons

Pigeon milk is a unique baby formula produced by adult pigeons for their chicks. It’s thick, like cottage cheese, rich in lipids and proteins. Though it’s nutritionally beneficial, its appearance may not appeal to humans. The production process is similar to lactation in mammals, regulated by the hormone prolactin.

Reproductive behaviors

Victoria crowned pigeons are known for their lifelong mating and monogamous behavior, peaking during both dry and wet seasons. In their cute courtship, the male woos the female by lowering his head, extending forward, and wagging his tail while swinging his head. Both parents team up to take care of the babies, with the mom doing most of the direct brooding.

The Victoria crowned pigeon female usually lays a single white egg in a strong nest made of palm leaves, sticks, and stems in a tree. The male helps out by bringing nest materials before the egg is laid. It takes about 30 days for the egg to hatch. The newborns are born helpless and blind, relying completely on their parents.

Even though the young birds stay in the nest for a full thirteen weeks, they leave when they’re much smaller than their parents. When they hit fifteen months, they’re all set to start their own families. This natural cycle shows off the cool features of Victoria crowned pigeons and how they stick to committed relationships and teamwork in parenting.

Aftab Tariq

I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.