Sclater's crowned pigeon is a large, terrestrial pigeon confined to the southern lowland forests of New Guinea. This pigeon was previously considered as conspecific with Scheepmaker's crowned pigeon with the English name "southern crowned pigeon".
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in the southern lowland rainforests of New Guinea, especially in swamp forest, sago palm stands, riverine forests, and tall secondary growth. It favors large tracts of undisturbed forest with ample fruiting trees and a relatively open understory for ground foraging. Birds are typically encountered on the forest floor, retreating to low branches when alarmed. It avoids high elevations and is scarce in heavily hunted zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Sclater's crowned pigeon is a huge, ground-dwelling pigeon of southern New Guinea’s lowland rainforests, notable for its ornate lacy crest and deep maroon chest. It was formerly treated as conspecific with Scheepmaker's crowned pigeon (“southern crowned pigeon”). The species is heavily hunted for meat and feathers, making it shy and locally scarce near settlements. Despite its size, it usually walks rather than flies, retreating to trees to roost or when disturbed.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, foraging quietly on the ground. Courtship includes bowing displays, tail fanning, and soft booming calls. Nests are built in trees, and the typical clutch is a single egg with both sexes sharing incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant boom-like notes that carry through the forest, often at dawn and dusk. Also produces soft coos and wing claps when flushing.
Plumage
Powdery blue-grey overall with a rich maroon chest and an elegant, lacy blue crest with pale tips; wings show paler grey panels.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fallen fruits and figs, supplemented with seeds and small invertebrates such as snails and insects. It forages by walking slowly and picking items from the leaf litter. Seasonally takes advantage of fruiting events and may follow ripening trees along river corridors.
Preferred Environment
Primarily the forest floor of lowland and swamp forests, along trails, riverbanks, and beneath fruiting trees. It may visit edges and secondary forest but prefers shaded, humid interiors.
