The crowned pigeons of Papua New Guinea are large ground-dwelling birds in Papua New Guinea from the genus Goura. They inhabit different regions of New Guinea and are endemic to that area. They are significantly larger than city-dwelling pigeons. On average, the Victoria crowned pigeon averages 29-20 inches in length and can weigh between 5.3 and 7.7 pounds, which is 3 x longer and 1- x heavier. The crowned pigeons have sixteen tail feathers as opposed to twelve in most other pigeons.
The Western crowned Pigeon is found in northwestern New Guinea (Goura cristata)
The Scheepmaker’s crowned pigeon is found in southeastern New Guinea (Goura scheepakeri)
Sclater’s crowned pigeon is found in southern New Guinea (Goura sclaterri)
The Victorian crowned pigeon is found in Northern New Guinea (Goura victoria)
Photos and reference: Goura. (n.d.-c). https://animalia.bio/goura
The largest ground-dwelling birds in Papua New Guinea are the cassorwaries genus (Casuarius)
The third-tallest and second-heaviest living bird in the worlds is the southern cassowary (Casuarius casuiaris). It is also known as the “double-wattled cassowary.” Then can reach a height of almost 6 feet and weigh over 110 pounds.
The northern cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus) is called the “single wattled cassowary” or “gold-necked cassowary.” It is slightly smaller than the southern cassowary and can weigh up to 110 pounds. It is secretive in nature and lives in forests up to 700 meters.
The dwarf cassowary (Casuarius benneti) is the smallest and on average grows to around 3-5 feet. Weight is on average 44-66 pounds. It lacks a wattle and prefers highlands and mountains.
Photos and reference: Cassowaries in the New Guinea rainforests. (n.d.-b). http://www.missionbeachcassowaries.com/uploads/5/9/8/7/5987112/steve_goosem_c4_presentation_may_2012_short.pdf