Victoria crowned pigeon
Scientific name: Goura victoria
IUCN listed as: Near Threatened
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Everyday
Diet
Victoria crowned pigeons primarily feed on fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates like insects and snails. They forage on the forest floor, using their strong beaks to pick up food. Their diet is rich in nutrients, supporting their large size and vibrant plumage. In captivity, their diet is supplemented with a variety of fruits and formulated bird feed to meet their nutritional needs. This varied diet helps maintain their health and vitality in both wild and captive environments.
Victoria crowned pigeons eat fruits, seeds, insects, and snails. They find food on the ground and use their strong beaks to pick it up. This diet helps them stay big and colourful. In zoos, they eat a mix of fruits and special bird food.
Breeding
Victoria crowned pigeons typically breed during the rainy season, building large nests in the trees using sticks and leaves. Females lay one or two eggs, which both parents incubate for about 30 days. The chicks are fed “pigeon milk,” a nutrient-rich substance regurgitated by the parents. This shared parental care ensures the chicks receive ample nutrition and protection until they are ready to fledge at around 4-5 weeks old.
Victoria crowned pigeons build nests in trees during the rainy season. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents keep the eggs warm. The chicks are fed a special liquid called “pigeon milk.” The chicks leave the nest after about a month.
Habitat
Victoria crowned pigeons are native to the lowland and swamp forests of northern New Guinea. They prefer dense, humid environments where they can forage on the forest floor and nest in the trees. Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion is a significant threat to their populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical habitats and creating protected areas to ensure their survival.
Victoria crowned pigeons live in the forests of northern New Guinea. They like dense, humid areas with lots of trees. Cutting down trees and farming can hurt their homes. Protecting these forests is important to keep them safe.
At the zoo
In zoos, Victoria crowned pigeons are kept in large aviaries that mimic their natural habitats, complete with trees and ample space to fly. They are provided with a diet similar to their wild diet, including fruits, seeds, and insects. Zoos play a crucial role in conservation by breeding these birds and educating the public about their endangered status. Breeding programs help maintain genetic diversity and increase population numbers. Observing these pigeons in captivity helps researchers learn more about their behaviour and needs.
In zoos, Victoria crowned pigeons live in big areas with trees. They eat fruits, seeds, and insects just like in the wild. Zoos help protect these birds by breeding them and teaching people about them. Watching them helps scientists understand their lives.
Behaviour
Victoria crowned pigeons are social birds often seen in small flocks. They are ground foragers but fly up into the trees when threatened. Their courtship behaviour includes elaborate displays by the males, such as bowing, tail fanning, and making deep whooping calls. These pigeons are known for their striking blue-grey plumage and impressive, lace-like crests. Their behaviour is adapted to their forest floor lifestyle, where they spend most of their time searching for food.
Victoria crowned pigeons live in small groups and look for food on the ground. They fly up into trees if they feel scared. Male pigeons perform special dances and calls to attract females. They are known for their beautiful blue-grey feathers and fancy crests.
Fun facts
- Large Size: They are among the largest pigeons, nearly the size of a turkey.
- Unique Crest: Known for their lace-like crests of feathers on their heads.
- Monogamous Pairs: Form lifelong monogamous pairs.
- Ground Foragers: Prefer foraging on the forest floor.
- Courtship Displays: Males perform elaborate displays to attract females.
- Big Birds: Almost as big as turkeys.
- Fancy Feathers: Have beautiful crests on their heads.
- Stay Together: Male and female pairs stay together for life.
- Ground Eaters: Find food on the ground.
- Dance Moves: Males dance and call to attract females.
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