The crowned pigeons, belonging to the family Gourinae, are large blue-gray birds with deep maroon below. These birds begin the morning with a chorus of calls before the flock sets out to feed and drink.

This species is found in south-east Asia, particularly on the Nicobar islands to New Guinea, and as far north as the Philippines.

The Australian aborigines have a legend about the Kookaburra. When the sun rose for the first time, the god Bayame ordered the kookaburra to utter its loud, almost human laughter in order to wake up mankind so that they should not miss the wonderful sunrise.

Many people consider the Birds of Paradise among the most beautiful and interesting of all birds because of their spectacular plumage and intricate mating dances.