Top 10 Most Beautiful Pigeon Breeds
Across the globe, there exists a remarkable variety of beautiful pigeon breeds that often remain underappreciated. Below are the ten most stunning types of pigeons found worldwide:
Pink-Necked Green Pigeon
The Pink-Necked Green Pigeon (English: Pink-Necked Green Pigeon) is notable for its vibrant colors. Males feature a light pink neck, an orange patch on the chest, a bluish-gray head, and a yellow belly, while females are adorned with brighter, more distinctive colors, showcasing dark green upper bodies and greenish-yellow undersides.
Both genders possess black and yellow wings, with yellow spots beneath their tails. This pigeon species thrives in lowland areas such as mangrove forests, gardens, parks, and the edges of farms, often seen in flocks in hilly terrains.
Nicobar Pigeon
The Nicobar Pigeon (English: The Nicobar Pigeon) is a rare and elusive bird, known for its shy demeanor. It inhabits small islands with dense forests found along the coasts of the Andaman Islands, the Solomon Islands, and New Guinea. Characterized by its long, drooping neck feathers, its plumage features a blend of dark green, bluish-gray, and bronzy-orange hues, complemented by a stark white tail.
Victoria Crowned Pigeon
The Victoria Crowned Pigeon (English: Victoria Crowned Pigeon) is distinguished by its considerable size. It is typically found in lowland swamps and has a blue-gray body, a chestnut-colored breast, and light gray wings tinged with burgundy. It is crowned with a long white crest, and when in flight, they make a loud flapping noise characteristic of their deep, resonant calls. This species primarily feeds on fallen fruits.
Brown Frillback Pigeon
The Brown Frillback Pigeon (English: Brown Frillback Pigeon) hails from the ancient city of Anatolia in Asia Minor. It is distinguished by its frilled brown plumage, consisting of small, curly feathers around the neck, complemented by fur-like feathers on its feet, and unique feathering near the tips of its wings.
Bronzewing Pigeon
The Bronzewing Pigeon (English: Bronzewing Pigeon) captivates with its plump, appealing brown body enhanced by iridescent green hues. Its wings showcase gorgeous bronzed colors, and the males are equipped with striking yellow and white facial markings, which the females lack. These pigeons typically reside near water sources across a variety of habitats.
Bronzewing pigeons can be solitary or found in pairs, foraging for food on the ground. When startled, they take off rapidly, producing a distinct whirring sound with their wings.
Blue Crowned Pigeon
Also known as the Western Crowned Pigeon (English: Blue Crowned Pigeon), this striking bird is named after its prominent blue crown. It is the largest pigeon species globally, measuring approximately 66 cm in length and weighing between 2 to 2.5 kg. Predominantly residing in the lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea, this herbivorous pigeon feeds on nuts, fruits, and snails found on the forest floor.
Blue Crowned Pigeons live in small groups of between 2 to 10 individuals and are capable of forming lifelong pair bonds, although males occasionally mate with more than one female. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating their eggs.
Jacobin Pigeon
The Jacobin Pigeon (English: Jacobin Pigeons) is marked by its distinctive feathered hood that cloaks its entire head and cascades down the sides in a rose-like shape beneath its neck, extending about 12-15 cm. This pigeon is medium-sized, elongated, and quite slender.
Predominantly found in Australia, Jacobin Pigeons come in various colors, including black, white, red, and yellow. They are known for their reclusive nature and have occasionally been described as mischievous birds.
Indian Fantail Pigeon
Hailing from India, the Indian Fantail Pigeon (English: Indian Fantail) is one of the earliest and most popular types of fancy pigeons. It boasts a medium size and an eye-catching fan-shaped tail, with feathered feet and a predominantly white body adorned with light brown speckles.
Indian Fantails stand upright, maintaining a tail position above the level of their heads, and possess a small crest that can reach heights of about 28 cm. Adult Indian Fantail Pigeons typically weigh around 370 grams.
African Green-Pigeon
The African Green Pigeon (English: African Green-Pigeon) exhibits a plump figure with green back and wings, a pale white bill with a red base, and faint maroon shoulders. These pigeons favor fruiting trees, especially figs, in dense woodlands and forested areas.
Their ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings allows them to hide effectively among the branches, and when threatened, they quickly take flight. They are also known for their diverse vocalizations, which include coos, clicks, growls, and whistles.
Spinifex Pigeon
The Spinifex Pigeon (English: Spinifex Pigeon) is native to Australia, particularly in rocky arid regions with abundant spinifex grass and reliable water sources. This pigeon is marked by its attractive appearance, featuring a tall, distinctive crest and rusty brown plumage.
Its back and wings are adorned with black-striped feathers, and adult Spinifex Pigeons possess a white band around their eyes that takes on a red hue.