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Species Description
The Western Crowned Pigeon, Goura cristata, is a very large pigeon (up to 70cm in length) named for the beautiful lacy blue feathers which form a crest on its head. It is native to Papua New Guinea where it is unfortunately persecuted for its feathers and as a food source. Due to over hunting and habitat destruction it remains common only in very remote areas of the forest and is therefore listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Though mainly a terrestrial bird the, Western Crowned Pigeon builds a nest in the trees to lay its eggs and incubate its young. Pairs mate for life but the male will still perform an elaborate courtship dance where it makes a loud booming call and bobs its head then presents the female with nesting material. These birds forage on fruits and seeds.
