Royal 'Victoria Crown Pigeon' Is the World's Biggest and Most Attractive Pigeon (Photo Gallery)

Over 300 species of pigeons and doves on the globe, some of them are unexpectedly beautiful. When compared to other pigeon species, the Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura Victoria) is the most intriguing. Strikingly beautiful and intelligent, the Victoria crowned pigeon is a fascinating ground bird to watch. This gorgeous bird may be regarded as the supermodel of the pigeon world, with a beautiful crest of feathers on its head.

In the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, Victoria crowned pigeons were hunted for their meat and feathers. Due to hunting and habitat destruction, the wild population had declined rapidly, endangering the species to near extinction. As a protected species, it has improved from being a "threatened" and "vulnerable" species to "near threatened." Deforestation of its natural habitat still occurs.