(Goura cristate)

The Forest Cottage has some interesting facts and information about the Crowned Pigeon.

The pigeons and their allies form a distinctive group (order Columbiformes) comprising two families: the sandgrouse (Pteroclidae) and pigeons (Columbidae). They are medium-sized birds differing from all others in certain features. The bill is short, with a swollen cere at the base which covers the nostrils. The feathers are loosely attached in the skin and are downy at the base. These birds are able to suck up water and therefore need not raise their heads for it to run down into the throat. When resting they do not tuck the head under the wing but pull it down between the shoulders. Most pigeons live in woods, are good fliers and feed chiefly on vegetable matter such as fruits, seeds and young shoots. The nest is a flimsy structure; they lay usually two white eggs.

The largest pigeons, measuring about 30 inches and weighing approximately 4-1/2 pounds, are the members of the genus Goura. They are distinguished by handsome erect crest feathers. Three species are natives of New Guinea, where they are common inhabitants of the coastal forests. They forage for food on the ground, perching on the low branches of trees only when disturbed or to roost. The Crowned Pigeon, Goura cristate, the largest member of the pigeon family, has plumage in shades of blue. The feathers of its fan-like crest have divided webs. It feeds its young on pigeon milk--a fluid secreted in the lining of the parent's crop--and then pumped into the babies' mouths. This technique is practiced by no other bird.

Class: Aves | Order: Columbiformes | Family: Columbidae | Genus: Goura

---