The Victoria crowned pigeon is a large and blue-gray bird native to the rainforests of New Guinea. It stands out with its beautiful lacy crest, deep red eyes, and soft cooing sounds. This pigeon is the largest in the world, reaching up to 30 inches in length.
It mainly eats fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates. It is classified as Near Threatened. Zoos and conservation programs in the USA help protect this stunning species due to habitat loss and hunting.
Victoria Crowned Pigeon Images
Features and Characteristics of Victoria Crowned Pigeon
This bird has a very interesting and unique appearance which makes it look different from other birds while catching the attention of the public around it.
| Characteristics | Features Specific to Victoria Crowned Pigeon |
| Scientific Name | Goura victoria |
| Size | About 29 inches long |
| Weight | Around 5.5 lbs |
| Color | Blue-gray body with maroon chest |
| Crest | Large, lacy, and blue crest on head |
| Eyes | Deep red which contrast with blue feathers |
| Beak | Black and slightly curved |
| Wingspan | About 30 inches |
| Diet | Fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates |
| Nesting | Builds nests in trees using sticks |
| Sound | Deep and booming calls |
| Behavior | Social and moves in small flocks |
Victoria Crowned Pigeon Price
individual birds are often priced between $2,000 and $2,500. For instance, young Victoria Crowned Pigeons have been listed for sale at $2,000 each in the United States.
Life Span of Victoria Crowned Pigeon
The Victoria Crowned Pigeon lives around 15 years in the wild. The bird’s lifespan can reach up to 25 years in captivity. Zoos and aviaries in the USA provide safe environments that help extend their lifespan.
Interesting Facts About Victoria Crowned Pigeon
This bird not only attracts people with its different appearance but also with its habits that only some birds possess.
1. Name Honors British Royalty
This bird is named after Queen Victoria of England because of its regal appearance. The crown of lacy blue feathers on its head resembles the royal headpieces worn by the queen.
Its attractive posture and deep blue feathers also add to its majestic look.
2. Ground-Dwelling Bird
The Victoria crowned pigeon spends most of its time on the forest floor unlike most pigeons that prefer to rest in trees. It only flies up to make nest or escape predators.
This behavior makes it similar to chickens or pheasants, rather than typical city pigeons.
3. Unique Mating Dance
The male performs a graceful dance to impress the female when trying to mate. He bows repeatedly, spreads his tail, and makes deep booming calls.
If the female is interested then she responds by softly cooing back. This different kind of ritual helps strengthen their bond.
4. Communicates with Deep Drumming Sounds
This species produces low and deep drumming calls instead of the usual cooing sounds pigeons make. These sounds can travel through dense forests.
This helps them stay connected with their group. This special adaptation makes them different from other pigeons.
5. Eggs Are a Perfect Sky-Blue Color
Victoria crowned pigeons lay only one egg at a time, and the egg is a stunning pale blue color. This color helps the egg blend in with the light filtering through the trees.
The parents take turns incubating it while making sure that the chick stays warm and safe.
6. Both Parents Raise the Chick
Both male and female Victoria crowned pigeons share responsibilities of raising the young ones unlike many birds where the female does most of the parenting.
They take turns incubating the egg and feeding the chick and this teamwork helps their chick to grow strong.
7. Produces “Pigeon Milk” to Feed Its Young
This species feeds its chicks with pigeon milk like other pigeons. This is a special nutrient-rich secretion from their crop.
Both parents produce this milk, which is packed with proteins and fats. This helps the chick grow quickly in the first few weeks.
8. Prefers Walking Over Flying
This pigeon’s large size makes flying difficult, so it spends most of its time walking around the forest floor. This bird flaps its wings slowly and powerfully during flight.
It can travel short distances, but it avoids flying unless necessary.
9. Plays a Key Role in the Forest Ecosystem
Victoria crowned pigeons help spread seeds by eating fruits and berries. They drop seeds far from the parent tree which helps new plants grow after digesting the food.
This process makes them important for maintaining the health of tropical forests.
10. Among Few Pigeons That Lives in Groups
Victoria crowned pigeons prefer small groups called flocks. They stay together for safety and communicate using body language and sounds. This social behavior is rare among pigeons.
11. Protected Species Due to Habitat Loss
These birds are classified as Near Threatened due to deforestation and hunting. Their stunning feathers make them a target for the illegal pet trade.
Conservation efforts in zoos and wildlife reserves help protect them and raise awareness about their importance.
12. Among the Few Pigeons That Can Be Tamed
The Victoria crowned pigeon can be tamed in captivity despite its wild nature. It recognizes caregivers and can develop trust over time.
Some zoos even allow visitors to interact with them which makes them one of the friendly large pigeon species.
Victoria Crowned Pigeon Male vs Female
Male and female Victoria Crowned Pigeons look very similar, but males tend to be slightly larger and have more pronounced crowns.
Males usually perform courtship displays, including bowing and vocalizing, which females rarely do.
Sightseeing of Victoria Crowned Pigeon
These birds present a royal feel when they take the flight in the sky because of their distinguishing crown. Here are some places where these birds can be seen in the states of USA.
| Location | State in Which it is Located |
| San Diego Zoo | California |
| Los Angeles Zoo | California |
| Bronx Zoo | New York |
| Philadelphia Zoo | Pennsylvania |
| Houston Zoo | Texas |
| Dallas World Aquarium | Texas |
| Zoo Miami | Florida |
| Smithsonian’s National Zoo | Washington, D.C. |
| Saint Louis Zoo | Missouri |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Ohio |
How to Get Good Photography Clicks of Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Here are some tips to get good clicks of the Victoria Crowned Pigeon which can be a memory for you.
- Use a zoom lens (200mm+) to capture details without disturbing the pigeon in zoos or aviaries.
- Shoot in natural daylight for vibrant blues and sharp feather textures.
- Focus on the bird’s striking red eyes to add depth to your photos.
- Capture side angles to highlight the lace-like crest and elegant profile.
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/500s or higher) to freeze movement while walking.
- Choose a blurred background (wide aperture, f/4 or lower) to make the pigeon stand out.
- Be patient and quiet to catch natural poses and relaxed expressions.
Final Remarks
This bird possess its own uniqueness in terms of appearance and the behavior in ecosystem. The social nature and closeness with humans make it one of the most attention seeking bird among public. This bird represents the royalty with its crown on the head. The males and females raise the kids together and fly in small flocks.
FAQs
1. Where can I see a Victoria Crowned Pigeon in the USA?
You can see Victoria Crowned Pigeons in zoos like the San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
2. What makes the Victoria Crowned Pigeon special?
This bird is the largest pigeon species, known for its striking blue feathers, red eyes, and elegant lacy crest.
