Western crowned pigeon

The western crowned pigeon, also known as the common crowned pigeon or blue crowned pigeon, is a striking bird characterized by its beautiful blue-grey feathers, a delicate blue lacy crest atop its head, and a dark blue mask around its eyes. Measuring approximately 70 cm in length and weighing around 2.1 kg, males are typically larger than females. This pigeon, along with close relatives such as the Victoria crowned pigeon, Sclater's crowned pigeon, and Scheepmaker's crowned pigeon, ranks among the largest and most stunning members of the pigeon family. It inhabits the lowland rainforests of northwestern New Guinea, where it primarily feeds on fruits and seeds.

Unfortunately, the western crowned pigeon faces serious threats. It is hunted for its meat and striking plumes, and its habitat is rapidly diminishing due to deforestation and overhunting in certain regions. As a result, it is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is listed under Appendix II of CITES, which helps regulate its trade. The species was first described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1764 and given the scientific name Columba cristata. Interestingly, a genetic study in 2018 revealed that the western crowned pigeon is closely related to Sclater's crowned pigeon (Goura sclaterii).