Western Crowned Pigeon
A species of Crowned Pigeons, Also known as Blue Crowned Pigeon Scientific name : Goura cristata Genus : Crowned Pigeons
Western Crowned Pigeon, A species of Crowned Pigeons
Also known as:
Blue Crowned Pigeon
Botanical name: Goura cristata
Genus: Crowned Pigeons
Content
Description General Info
Description
The western crowned pigeon (Goura cristata), also known as the common crowned pigeon or blue crowned pigeon, is a large, blue-grey pigeon with blue lacy crests over the head and dark blue mask feathers around its eyes. Both sexes are almost similar but males are often larger than females. It is on average 70 cm (28 in) long and weighs 2,1 kg(4.6 lbs). Along with its close and very similar-looking relatives the Victoria crowned pigeon, Sclater's crowned pigeon, and Scheepmaker's crowned pigeon, it is one of the largest and is considered one of the most beautiful members of the pigeon family. The western crowned pigeon is found in and is endemic to the lowland rainforests of northwestern New Guinea; the other species of crowned pigeon inhabit different regions of the island. The diet consists mainly of fruits and seeds. Hunted for food and its plumes, it remains common only in remote areas. Due to ongoing habitat loss, limited range and overhunting in some areas, the western crowned pigeon is evaluated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed in Appendix II of CITES. The western crowned pigeon was first described by the German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas in 1764 and given the binomial name Columba cristata. A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2018 found that the western crowned pigeon was most closely related to Sclater's crowned pigeon (Goura sclaterii).
Size
75 cm
Life Expectancy
20 years (wild), 30 years (captivity)
Nest Placement
Ground
Feeding Habits
Western Crowned Pigeon primarily forage for fallen fruit, berries, seeds, and small invertebrates like insects and grubs. These pigeons have adapted to walking on the forest floor, selectively feeding at dawn and dusk, showcasing a preference for particular fruit types in their habitat.
Habitat
The western Crowned Pigeon is native to dense lowland rainforests, thriving under a lush canopy essential for foraging. These birds also frequent marshes and partially flooded regions, benefiting from the soft grounds and water availability. Additionally, mangrove ecosystems offer crucial nurseries with protection via complex root structures. The western Crowned Pigeon predominantly resides in humid tropics at elevations commonly up to 500 meters.
Dite type
Frugivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Fruit
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pigeons and doves Family
Dove Genus
Crowned Pigeons Species
Western Crowned Pigeon