The White-crowned Pigeon is a large tropical pigeon found mostly in the Caribbean and parts of southern Florida. Known for its distinct white cap, this species may be an important seed disperser in its native habitats. Despite its striking looks and ecological role, the White-crowned Pigeon faces serious threats and is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Adult White-crowned Pigeons are dark slate-gray overall, with a contrasting bright white patch on the top of the head. The neck often has a glossy green or purple sheen, and the bill is red with a white tip. They are about the size of the Rock Pigeon, with a longer tail and different head shape. Males and females look similar.

This pigeon species lives in coastal mangroves, hardwood hammocks, and tropical forests. It's most commonly found in the Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. In the U.S., it breeds in the Florida Keys and southern tip of the Florida peninsula, but its presence there is more limited.

One of the most interesting things about White-crowned Pigeons is their reliance on two different habitats. They usually nest in remote coastal mangroves to avoid predators and human disturbance, but they travel inland to forage for food. Their diet includes the fruits and seeds of a wide variety of native trees and shrubs, including poisonwood, figs, and blolly. This feeding behavior makes them key players in maintaining tropical forest diversity.

Unfortunately, the White-crowned Pigeon faces several threats. Habitat loss is a major concern. Development and agriculture have reduced both nesting and foraging grounds. In Florida, for example, much of the native hardwood hammock forest has been cleared. Hunting also impacts populations in parts of the Caribbean, where pigeons and their squabs (babies) are still legally or illegally harvested.

These birds are also highly sensitive to human activity. Because they are so shy and need quiet areas for nesting, they are easily disturbed by noise or nearby development. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites and ensuring that feeding grounds remain intact and connected to each other. In some regions, hunting restrictions have been enforced to give the population a chance to recover.

White-crowned Pigeons are not often seen outside their range, so spotting one in southern Florida or the Caribbean can be a real treat for birders. They’re especially active during the breeding season from May to September, when they can be seen flying between their nesting and feeding areas.

If you’re lucky enough to live where these birds are found or are visiting the area, keeping an eye out for their strong, direct flight and that tell-tale white crown might reward you with a sighting. Supporting local conservation efforts and planting native trees can also help ensure these unique pigeons stick around.

Today we're concluding our 2024 Birdorable Bonanza with a spectacular new addition to our pigeon and dove family: it's the Spinifex Pigeon!

The Spinifex Pigeon is a unique and striking bird native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. With its distinctive appearance and ability to thrive in some of the harshest environments, this pigeon is a fascinating example of adaptation to desert life.

The Spinifex Pigeon is a small, ground-dwelling bird characterized by its chestnut-brown plumage and bold facial markings. Its white face has black stripes running across the eyes and throat, creating a mask-like appearance. Its body is patterned with fine barring that helps it blend into the rocky and grassy landscapes it inhabits. A tall, spiky crest atop its head gives the bird its unmistakable silhouette -- and its name. 

These pigeons are most commonly found in areas dominated by spinifex grass, a tough and spiky vegetation that provides these birds both shelter and camouflage. They also inhabit rocky outcrops and dry scrublands, where their cryptic plumage helps them avoid predators. Unlike many pigeons, the Spinifex Pigeon is highly terrestrial and spends much of its time walking on the ground in search of food.

Spinifex Pigeons primarily feed on seeds, which they forage from the ground. They are well-adapted to the arid climate, seeking out water sources in their environment. When water is available, they can often be seen congregating at waterholes during the cooler parts of the day.

In breeding, the Spinifex Pigeon is monogamous, and pairs typically remain together year-round. The female lays one or two eggs in a simple scrape on the ground, often sheltered by spinifex grass or rocks. Both parents share the duties of incubation and feeding the chicks, which hatch fully covered in down and are quickly able to move about.

The Spinifex Pigeon is not currently threatened, as it is well-adapted to its environment and has a stable population across its range. Its ability to survive in extreme conditions and its striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers exploring Australia’s outback.

🎉 And that’s a wrap for the 2024 Birdorable Bonanza! Over the past 15 days, we’ve introduced a fun lineup of new birds, each more fascinating and adorable than the last. From vibrant songbirds to unique desert dwellers, these additions celebrate the diversity and beauty of the avian world. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey—we hope you’ve enjoyed meeting our new Birdorable friends as much as we’ve loved sharing them with you. Stay tuned for more bird fun and surprises to come! 🐦❤️

The African Green Pigeon might not be the flashiest bird in the jungle, but it packs a surprising punch of interesting features that make it a worthy feathered friend. Here's why you should appreciate this darling green gem:

Masters of Camouflage

Their olive-green plumage blends seamlessly into foliage, making African Green Pigeons virtually invisible to predators. They also move clumsily on branches, further mimicking leaves swaying in the wind. This stealthy tactic allows them to feast on fruits and berries undisturbed, leaving them as elusive as forest phantoms.

Nomadic Frugivores

African Green Pigeons aren't content with monotonous meals. They search for fruiting trees across vast distances, forming nomadic groups as they travel from feast to feast. Their flexible diet lets them enjoy a variety of fruits, from bananas to papaya, mulberries, and peaches. They are especially fond of figs.

Fruity Acrobats

Unlike their seed-pecking cousins, African Green Pigeons have a unique way of accessing the sweet flesh inside fruits. They hang upside-down, like little green acrobats, and reach down to reach the fruit.

Vocal Variety

While they might not be operatic singers, African Green Pigeons possess a surprisingly diverse vocal repertoire -- they don't sound like more familiar pigeon species. From soft whistles and guttural growls to cackles and clicks, they use these sounds to communicate with each other, warning of predators, defending territories, and attracting mates.

Feathered Farmers

African Green Pigeons play a vital role in seed dispersal of fruit trees, contributing to the health and regeneration of the ecosystem. By consuming fruits, they carry seeds long distances, allowing new trees to sprout in remote locations. Think of them as forest gardeners, spreading the bounty of the jungle and ensuring its future.

The African Green Pigeon joined our Birdorable family on October 10, 2012.

Today we're wrapping up our 2023 Birdorable Bonanza with a highfalutin cutie -- the Crested Pigeon!

The Crested Pigeon, native to Australia, is a striking bird with a notable, namesake crest on its head. Besides the crest, the pretty pidge can be recognized by shimmering spots on its wings that shine green and purple in sunlight

Crested Pigeons are also noted for a sound they make: when they take flight their wings make a whistling sound. This sound serves as more than just a flight signal; it plays a crucial role in their communication, especially as a warning call. The intensity of this whistle varies with the speed of their wing beats - the faster they flap, the more urgent the warning. Check out this video explaining how it works:

Found in lightly wooded and grassy areas across most of mainland Australia, the Crested Pigeon feeds on the ground, primarily consuming seeds and grains. This diet makes it an important player in seed dispersal, aiding in the health of its habitat's vegetation.

And ... that's a wrap!

Thanks for following along on our latest installment of the Birdorable Bonanza! In the last 10 days we added 10 new bird species to Birdorable. We now have 785 species in our flock. 🎉 Wow, that's a lot! You can browse all our 785 cute Birdorable birds on our Meet the Birds page and learn about each one.