Pigeon, Blue Crowned
Share:
Description
One of the largest pigeon species, males and females are similar although males can be larger than females. They are blue-gray with lacy feathers in a “crown” on the head and a dark blue mask around the eyes. Their chest is burgundy-red and they have white bars on their wings.
Classification
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Goura
- Species
- G. cristata
Key Facts
- Conservation Status
- Vulnerable
- Length
- 70 cm (28 inches)
- Weight
- about 2.1 kilograms (4.6 pounds)
- Lifespan
- Up to 35 years when under human care.
Social Life
Usually live in small flocks of 2-10 birds. Males attract females by flapping their tail feathers up and down and making a loud booming call. Males and females use a wing slap to drive away or discipline other birds.
Habitat and Range
The northern portion of the island of Papua New Guinea is in the lowland rainforests and marshy or flooded areas. Crowned pigeons do not migrate.
Diet
They forage on the forest floor and eat fallen fruit, berries, insects and grubs. If frightened the pigeons will fly up into trees. Under human care, they eat various chopped fruits and commercially manufactured pigeon mix and softball pellets.
Predators
The main threats are from logging (habitat loss) and commercial trade. This pigeon is highly popular as an aviary bird and despite being protected under Papua New Guinea law, is still trapped and traded. It is listed as vulnerable.
Reproduction
Parents build a large stick nest about 10 meters above the ground. The female lays one large white egg and both parents brood and feed the chick. The egg is incubated for about 29 days and the chick fledges at about 30-36 days.
Sexual Maturity: approximately 1.5 to 2 years. Some zoos report that these pigeons do not successfully raise chicks until they are 5 years old.
Mating Season: unsure-see birthing season notes
Birthing Season: unsure, but most likely between April and August as chicks have been seen in nests during those months. The dry season in the wild coincides with these months.
Gestation: 28-29 days
No. of Young: One
- Information
-
Description
One of the largest pigeon species, males and females are similar although males can be larger than females. They are blue-gray with lacy feathers in a “crown” on the head and a dark blue mask around the eyes. Their chest is burgundy-red and they have white bars on their wings.
Classification
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Goura
- Species
- G. cristata
Key Facts
- Conservation Status
- Vulnerable
- Length
- 70 cm (28 inches)
- Weight
- about 2.1 kilograms (4.6 pounds)
- Lifespan
- Up to 35 years when under human care.
- Lifestyle
Social Life
Usually live in small flocks of 2-10 birds. Males attract females by flapping their tail feathers up and down and making a loud booming call. Males and females use a wing slap to drive away or discipline other birds.Habitat and Range
The northern portion of the island of Papua New Guinea is in the lowland rainforests and marshy or flooded areas. Crowned pigeons do not migrate.Diet
They forage on the forest floor and eat fallen fruit, berries, insects and grubs. If frightened the pigeons will fly up into trees. Under human care, they eat various chopped fruits and commercially manufactured pigeon mix and softball pellets.Predators
The main threats are from logging (habitat loss) and commercial trade. This pigeon is highly popular as an aviary bird and despite being protected under Papua New Guinea law, is still trapped and traded. It is listed as vulnerable.
Reproduction
Parents build a large stick nest about 10 meters above the ground. The female lays one large white egg and both parents brood and feed the chick. The egg is incubated for about 29 days and the chick fledges at about 30-36 days.
Sexual Maturity: approximately 1.5 to 2 years. Some zoos report that these pigeons do not successfully raise chicks until they are 5 years old.
Mating Season: unsure-see birthing season notes
Birthing Season: unsure, but most likely between April and August as chicks have been seen in nests during those months. The dry season in the wild coincides with these months.
Gestation: 28-29 days
No. of Young: One