This majestic creature is a Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria), a large, bluish-grey bird native to New Guinea. The bird is named in honor of the British monarch Queen Victoria.
The elegant crest of feathers on its head also forms the pigeon’s “crown.”
In addition to its bluish hue, the Victoria Crowned Pigeon has several features that distinguish it from the pigeons that roam around New York City: It has a distinctive, maroon breast, a crest of feathers with white tips, and bright red irises.
