IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Aves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
You can find our pair of Victoria Crowned-pigeons, Victoria and Albert, in our Gems of the Jungle exhibit.
Victoria Crowned-pigeons are native to Papua New Guinea and can also be found in the Papua province of Indonesia. They inhabit lowland forests, and eat fallen fruit, berries and seeds.
As well as their large size and bright blue feathers, Victoria Crowned-pigeons also have striking white-tipped crests and a deep maroon coloured breasts.
Interesting facts!
- Victoria Crowned-pigeons are the largest species of the pigeon family, and can weigh more than 2kg!
- They are related to the dodo, which became extinct in the 1600s.
- The Victoria Crowned-pigeon was named after Queen Victoria.
- These birds communicate by making deep whooping sounds.
Conservation
The species is rapidly declining in the wild, due to hunting, trapping and the deforestation of their natural habitats. Victoria-Crowned pigeons are classified as Near Threatened by the ICUN Red List.
