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While little is known about their reproduction in the wild, captive males collect nesting materials and present them to females.
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: The largest bird in their family, Victoria Crowned Pigeons have gray and blue plumage with a white-tipped crest. Adults are typically 29.5 inches long and similar in color to the juveniles. These are gregarious birds that form large flocks. Victoria Crowned Pigeons exhibit a large variety of vocalizations including a rumbling threat call and a loud “boom” that is returned by flock members.
Diet: While little is known about their diet in the wild, Victoria crowned pigeons typically eat a frugivore diet in captivity. They are frequently fed foods such as grapes, lettuce, maize, carrots, peanuts and figs.
Reproduction: Victoria Crowned Pigeons display a courtship behavior of bowing heads and tail movements. While little is known about their reproduction in the wild, captive males collect nesting materials and present them to females. Females lay one solid white egg that both sexes incubate. Juveniles fledge at 4 weeks and parents continue feeding until juveniles are 13 weeks old.
Environmental Connections: Victoria Crowned Pigeons prefer flat lowlands of undisturbed forests. These tropical birds have experienced serious population declines because of habitat destruction and poaching. Their beautiful feathers and crest are coveted and while they are protected in many areas, poaching continues. In Southeast Asia and Indonesia, Victoria Crowned Pigeons are hunted for the illegal pet trade. Rainforest destruction continues at an alarming rate. Global demand for exotic woods and other products from tropical forests fuels the harvest of these precious ecosystems.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
