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
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)
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 predominantly inhabits the interior of lowland rainforests, which provide a dense canopy and rich biodiversity for foraging. This bird species is also commonly found in marshy and partially flooded areas that offer a soft substrate and abundant water sources. Mangroves are another crucial habitat for the western Crowned Pigeon, serving as a protective nursery with their intricate root systems. Overall, these birds are adapted to the humid, sheltered environments found in tropical regions, and elevations they occupy range typically to at least 500 meters, though some island populations reside at lower elevations up to 150 meters. The western Crowned Pigeon spends most of its time foraging on the forest floor but will roost in the safety of the trees at night.
Dite type
Frugivorous
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pigeons and doves Family
Dove Genus
Crowned Pigeons Species
Western Crowned Pigeon 
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