The crowned pigeons are a group of birds that belong to the family Columbidae, which includes pigeons and doves. They are native to the island of New Guinea and some nearby islands, where they live in lowland rainforests. They are the largest members of the pigeon family, with an average length of 70 cm (28 in) and a weight of 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs).
The crowned pigeons have a distinctive appearance, with blue-grey feathers and a fan-like crest on their heads. The crest is made of long and lacy feathers that can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood. The birds also have dark blue feathers around their eyes, which look like masks. The four species of crowned pigeons are very similar to each other, but they have different ranges and some minor differences in their plumage.
The crowned pigeons are frugivorous, meaning they feed mainly on fruits and seeds that fall on the forest floor. They also eat snails and insects occasionally. They usually forage in pairs or small groups, and communicate with each other using deep and loud calls that can be heard from far away. The birds are monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
They build their nests on tree branches or in tree hollows, and lay one egg at a time. Both parents take turns incubating the egg for about a month, and then feeding and caring for the chick until it fledges after another month. The crowned pigeons can live for over 20 years in captivity.
The crowned pigeons are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and trapping for the pet trade. They are considered vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and are listed in Appendix II of CITES, which regulates their international trade. The birds are also protected by local laws in some parts of their range. Conservation efforts include creating protected areas, raising awareness, and breeding programs in captivity.
The crowned pigeons are fascinating birds that deserve our respect and admiration. They are part of the rich biodiversity of New Guinea, and play an important role in dispersing seeds and maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem. They are also beautiful and majestic creatures that display their colorful crests and feathers with pride. You can learn more about the crowned pigeons by visiting these websites: Wikipedia, Britannica, or [BirdLife International]. You can also see some photos of the crowned pigeons here: Western crowned pigeon.
