Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Victoria crowned pigeon

Scientific name: Goura victoria


Victoria crowned pigeon

IUCN Status: Near Threatened

Family: COLUMBIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.11-31.12

Gestation: 28–30 jours

Births: 13 semaines


Habitat:
Tropical rainforests, mangroves, swamps

Description:
The Victoria crowned pigeon is a majestic bird, recognizable by its large size and spectacular crest of white and blue feathers. Native to New Guinea, it primarily inhabits tropical rainforests. Its plumage is a striking blue, with purplish hues on the chest and distinctive white markings on the wings. This ground-dwelling bird feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and insects. Although generally calm, it can emit low sounds to communicate with its peers. The Victoria crowned pigeon is a monogamous species, and pairs share the responsibilities of nesting and raising the young.

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the Victoria crowned pigeon, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture the details of its plumage without disturbing it. Approach slowly and maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to avoid startling it. The best photos are often taken early in the morning when the light is soft and the bird is most active. Be patient and wait for it to move into a well-lit area to get sharp and well-exposed images.

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