Is this really a pigeon?

                                                                                                              Photo: Toronto Zoo

Victoria Crowned Pigeon
(Goura victoria)

Its name commemorates the British monarch Queen Victoria, and although it is native to New Guinea, it can be found in the Toronto International Zoo.  This really is a pigeon and is distinguished by its elegant blue lace-like feather crest (tipped with white and purple), maroon breast and red eyes.  It is one of the largest pigeons in the world, standing as much as 85 cm tall and weighing in at 3.4 kg.  In the wild it is considered "Near Threatened" by the IUCN.

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BarrytheBirder