The pigeons and their allies form
a distinctive group (order Columbiformes) comprising two
families: the sandgrouse (Pteroclidae) and pigeons (Columbidae).
They are medium-sized birds differing from all others in certain
features. The bill is short, with a swollen cere at the base
which covers the nostrils. The feathers are loosely attached
in the skin and are downy at the base. These birds are able to
suck up water and therefore need not raise their heads for it
to run down into the throat. When resting they do not tuck the
head under the wing but pull it down between the shoulders. Most
pigeons live in woods, are good fliers and feed chiefly on vegetable
matter such as fruits, seeds and young shoots. The nest is a
flimsy structure; they lay usually two white eggs.
The largest pigeons, measuring about 30 inches and weighing approximately
4-1/2 pounds, are the members of the genus Goura. They
are distinguished by handsome erect crest feathers. Three species
are natives of New Guinea, where they are common inhabitants
of the coastal forests. They forage for food on the ground, perching
on the low branches of trees only when disturbed or to roost.
The Crowned Pigeon, Goura cristate, the largest member
of the pigeon family, has plumage in shades of blue. The feathers
of its fan-like crest have divided webs. It feeds its young on
pigeon milk--a fluid secreted in the lining of the parent's crop--and
then pumped into the babies' mouths. This technique is practiced
by no other bird.
