Victoria Crowned Pigeon belongs to the Columbidae family and is a clan that is specific for birds that we ordinarily call as doves and pigeons. With plenty of species falling under the stout-bodied, slender-necked, and bent-billed birds, it is almost disappointing how underrated these angelic birds are.
The birds live on ground and nests, are human-friendly, extremely adorable, intelligent, and are proudly one of the most beautiful birds of the world belonging to their tribe.
Interesting Information About Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Goura – Genus for Crowned Pigeons
Pigeons with a crest of feathers on their heads are a rare sight to see and definitely a fetching one. Victoria crowned pigeons, named after the royal Queen Victoria of Britain, is one of the world’s most stunning pigeons cloaked in dazzling blue-grey-purple feather coloration.
They are referred to as the supermodels of the pigeon world, and rightly so. Regnant with a crown of feathers and a distinct, royal poise, while completely in contrast to the common pigeons we see around, they are certainly an interesting topic to explore.
Victoria Crowned Pigeons – History of Origin
Did you know that only four pigeon species sport a flashy crown of white-tipped feathers on their petty heads? Out of the four, the Victoria crowned pigeon is agreeably the most outstanding bird there exists.
Talking about their origin, it all began in the second largest island, New Guinea. This incredibly striking bird, plumper than common pigeons and inclined to strut on the ground was spotted by a human.
Victoria crowned pigeons soon-after their fascinating discovery became native to the neighboring islands of New Guinea as well. Additionally, the eye-catching bird is also spotted in the birdhouses and zoos of the United Kingdom and the United States.
Fairly enough, these regal pigeons are low-bred, uncommon, and enchanting enough to not escape the human hunt. They are classified under the “Nearly Threatened” category by IUCN. Therefore, you won’t find them flouncing around in every birdhouse.
Heart-winning Appearance of Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Victoria crowned pigeons are unlike any other ground-dwelling birds in the Goura genus. Beginning from the most ordinary feature of this bird, their toes are neat and clear but the lean legs are cheetah-printed.
The distinct four species of the crowned pigeons are larger than the common ones. However, Victoria crowned pigeon takes the lead as it weighs 7.7 pounds which is half the weight of a Turkey. Interestingly, they also measure almost to the size of a Turkey bird (30 inches long) and are the giants amongst their folks.
The mesmerizing colors of Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Next, we come to the peak of their grace– the plump, poised body. The Victoria crowned pigeon has a deep Persian blue coat of feathers headed towards the Indigo shade with a tint of underlying grey. The wings are of a lighter shade which fades completely into baby blue at the tail-feathers. A splash of jam mixed with grapes on the breast is what makes this pigeon one of a kind.
The loveliness does not end there; in fact, that was just the beginning. Tall, heavy, and imposing like a monarch, their eye mask is strikingly fetching. These birds have blood-shot red irises. This is uncommon in pigeons. The irises are further punctuated against their black frames. With a short, curvy neck, the pinnacle of their beauty lies in the crown that characterizes them.
The lookalike pigeons that fall under the “crown” category do not contain a crest that is as distinct and dazzling as of Victoria Crowned Pigeon. Quite symptomatic to the peacock head, the crest is like an animated crown of ocean-blue feathers freezing to snow-white tips. These extend like slim branches with fuller peaks like a budding flower. The pigmentation is captivating and a crystal white beak effectively completes the touch.
It won’t be untrue to say that Victoria crowned pigeons evoke multiple vibes at the same time – calm, cool, and fiery.
Diet and Habitat
Uncommon for birds of this family, Victoria crowned pigeons are ground-dwelling and need ample space and room for living. The birds were originally found at, or near the sea-level in New Guinea. A study into their breeding aspects revealed that they are quite luxurious in terms of space. Their enclosure starts from a minimum of 200 sq. feet. Quite impressive!
As a monomorphic specie, the bird cannot thrive alone and therefore requires a partner to breed. This is quite the challenge because only a surgical procedure or genetic testing (other than a subtle difference in size) can confirm the sex of the bird. The incubation of eggs of Victoria Crowned Pigeon is however, is carried out by both the genders.
Their diet primarily consists of fallen fruits. For instance, the figs (their favorite), grains, small invertebrates, and seeds. Given their size, they would have to eat all the time which is maybe why they like to stay on the ground. Ordinary cleaning and keeping their enclosures at low-maintenance, particularly in terms of other bird populations, is enough to keep these brilliant pigeons happy.
Behavior and Speech
Unlike the common “cooing” of the pigeons, this British-enthroned bird calls out in quite a thunderous sound, which is more like a “boom.” They make a clapping sound when in defense or preparing to run. Whereas their mating or contact call is softer, smoother, and relatively melodious.
Victoria crowned pigeons are docile by nature. Their imposing poise is in contrast to their temperament which is low-key, intelligent, and submissive. They like to gait on the ground as they search for food and only flies when feeling threatened, disturbed, or bored.
Conclusion
A bird, particularly the doves and the pigeons are quite amiable species. The Columbidae family fends for a perfect pet. However, the Victoria Crowned Pigeon is extraordinarily cordial. Like a human being, they despise living alone and require at least one other bird in their enclosures.
They are gorgeous like no other. Watching the Victoria Crowned Pigeon forage for food, make sounds, and bob their head, wagging the feather-crown is a mood-changer. They are undeniably the world’s most beautiful pigeon, scarce in the wild and captive in aviaries for an overwhelming sight.
Bilal is a content strategist who aims to help brands use the power of words to market their products and services. He got interested in birds after hearing the daily chirping on his early morning walks. Since then he has been writing on birds.
Bilal is a content strategist who aims to help brands use the power of words to market their products and services. He got interested in birds after hearing the daily chirping on his early morning walks. Since then he has been writing on birds.
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