15 incredible pigeons you've never seen (16 photos)

When we hear the word "pigeon," we usually picture a nondescript gray bird we see every day in the park or around the house. Generally speaking, it's an ordinary and unremarkable sight.





But this humble gray bird is just one of more than 300 species and countless breeds that make up the great pigeon family. Unlike its humble cousin, many of its relatives are rare, incredibly colorful, and truly beautiful.

1. Rose-crowned Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus regina)



This iridescent bird, native to Australia and Indonesia, is quite common in those regions. It feeds primarily on fruits and other plant matter.

Interesting fact: the chicks of this species are born completely green, and they only acquire their bright plumage and characteristic pink cap as they mature.

2. Jacobin Pigeon (Columba livia)





Of all domesticated pigeon breeds, the Jacobin undoubtedly has the most aristocratic appearance. Although the breed originated in Asia, the bird received its name due to the resemblance of its soft plumage and the hood around its head to the robes of Jacobin monks.

It's no surprise that these noble birds have enjoyed immense popularity among breeders throughout history. Famous owners included Charles Darwin and Queen Victoria, who kept entire flocks of these pigeons.

3. Frizzled Pigeon (Columba livia)



This domesticated pigeon breed is also unique. The tips of their wing feathers are naturally curled into graceful ringlets. Some varieties even have wavy leg feathers.

Frizzled pigeons come in a variety of colors and are extremely popular. Their calm and docile nature makes them excellent pets.

4. Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor)



These large birds from Southeast Asia are the Pied Imperial Pigeons, a group of species found in various regions from Myanmar and Thailand to Indonesia, the Philippines, and even parts of New Guinea.

The main distinguishing feature of these birds is their piebald coloration. This is a genetic trait in which some areas of the body are pigmented while others remain white, creating a contrasting pattern.

5. Ice Pigeon (Columba livia)



Known for their unique coloring, Ice Pigeons are another breed of ornamental domestic pigeon. They were developed in southern Germany and Poland.

One of the most famous owners of the Ice Pigeon was Charles Darwin. In 1846, he mentioned this beautiful bird as an example of the amazing color variations that can be achieved through crossbreeding.

6. Pouter (Columba livia)



Pouverts are a large group of ornamental pigeons that share one characteristic feature: an incredibly large, inflatable crop, which makes their chest appear enormous in proportion to their body.

Although Pouters are a relatively new breed, they have already won the hearts of breeders worldwide with their unique and unusual appearance.

7. Archangel Doves, Archangels (Columba livia)



Archangels are another domesticated breed, and like all fancy pigeons, are descendants of the common rock pigeon. This breed is considered one of the most ancient: the first mentions of it date back to Dalmatia and Illyria, historical regions in the Balkans.

The main distinguishing feature of these magnificent birds is the bright metallic sheen of their plumage. Although archangels come in a variety of colors, copper-black individuals are the most common.

8. Bukhara Trumpeters (Columba livia)



Another ornamental breed is the Bukhara Trumpeter – a pigeon easily recognized by breeders by its extremely long and fluffy "trousers" (feathers on the legs) and double crest.

Their crest is often so thick that it can almost completely cover the eyes, leading these birds to be compared to bearded collies. Other, less extravagant trumpeter breeds also exist.

As their name suggests, these pigeons have a unique vocalization. Some breeders claim their sounds resemble human laughter.

9. Crested Bronze-wing Pigeon (Geophaps plumifera)



The Crested Bronze-wing Pigeon is an Australian species belonging to the genus of bronze-wing pigeons. It is easily recognized by its spiky brown crest on its head and the red-and-black stripe around its eyes.

These small birds are truly amazing: they survive in the semi-arid regions of northern and central Australia, tirelessly searching for drought-resistant plant seeds and small insects.

10. African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus)



The African Green Pigeon is also easily mistaken for another bird. It resembles a parrot more than a pigeon. These pigeons are about the size of a common rock pigeon and are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Interestingly, like parrots, they nimbly climb trees in search of fruit, which forms their main diet.

11. Bronze-winged Pigeon (Phaps)



These Australian pigeons are commonly known as bronze-winged pigeons. Their distinctive feature is the iridescent patches on their wings, which, when caught by light, shimmer with bronze and other colors.

There are seven known species of bronze-winged pigeons, all living in flocks of varying sizes in different regions of the continent.

12. Peacock Pigeon (Columba livia)



Peacock pigeons are a domesticated breed, direct descendants of the common rock pigeon we often see on windowsills. These ornamental birds were bred for their magnificent fan-shaped tail, consisting of 30-40 feathers.

Although the breed was originally developed in India, Pakistan, China, and Japan, it was Charles Darwin who first introduced these amazing pigeons to the Western world. Today, there are many varieties of peacock pigeons with a variety of plumage patterns.

13. Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria)



If you happen to see this magnificent bird in a zoo, you're unlikely to associate it with a pigeon. Not only is it significantly larger, reaching the size of an average chicken, but it also has a striking, lacy crest on its head, reminiscent of a peacock's feathers.

This beautiful bird inhabits the tropical forests of northern New Guinea and the surrounding islands.

14. Rose-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans)



This colorful pigeon survives almost exclusively on a frugal diet, feeding primarily on figs. The Rose-necked Green Pigeon is widespread in Southeast Asia, from Myanmar and Vietnam to Indonesia and the Philippines.

15. Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica)



The metallic iridescent sheen and long neck feathers of this bird possess an otherworldly beauty. This rare pigeon species is found exclusively on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.

Ornithologists believe the Nicobar Pigeon may be the closest living relative of the extinct dodo.