Victoria Crowned Pigeon

giant pigeon · New Guinea · birds · unusual animals

Fancy blue crown. The Victoria crowned pigeon has elegant blue crests with white tips that look like delicate lace. These fancy feathers make it one of the most striking birds you'll ever see.

Biggest pigeon ever. This pigeon is the largest pigeon species alive today, much bigger than the pigeons you might see in a city park. It's part of a special group of four huge, ground-dwelling pigeons found only in New Guinea.

Deep whooping call. Instead of the cooing sound regular pigeons make, Victoria crowned pigeons make a deep 'whooping' noise when they communicate. You can recognize them just by their unique call.

Royal colors. The pigeon has bluish-grey feathers with a maroon breast and striking red irises in its eyes. Queen Victoria, the British monarch, was so impressed that the bird was named after her.

Ground dweller. Unlike most pigeons that perch in trees, Victoria crowned pigeons spend time walking around on the ground in the forests of New Guinea looking for food.