When people think about pigeons, the word “pretty” doesn’t usually come to mind.
These poor birds have a bad rep and are widely regarded as pests. In reality, they’re actually gentle, sweet, and even stunning! Hundreds of different pigeon breeds live around the world, and some of them are so beautiful they take our breath away. Don’t take our word for it! Check out these 20 spectacular animals below.
1. The Victoria crowned pigeon.
Native to New Guinea, these birds make whooping sounds.
![victoria crowned pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-4.jpg)
Wikipedia
2. The Jacobin pigeon.
Originating in Asia, this breed is known for its feathered hood.
![jacobin pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-6.jpg)
Wikipedia
3. The Indian Fantail.
A descendant of the rock dove, this breed started out in India.
![indian fantail pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-8.png)
Instagram
4. The Nicobar pigeon.
As one observer aptly put it, it’s “like a mix of peacock and pigeon!”
![nicobar pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-2.jpg)
Wikipedia
5. The spinifex pigeon.
These Australian birds are social and usually live in groups of four to 20.
![spinifex pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-10.jpg)
Wikipedia
6. A red and white roller pigeon.
Roller pigeons get their name from their ability to roll in the air.
![roller pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-14.png)
Instagram
7. The pied imperial pigeon.
These birds from Southeast Asia are considered large and can weigh more than a pound.
![pied imperial pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-11.jpg)
Wikipedia
8. The pink-necked green pigeon.
Also from Southeast Asia, only males of this species have pink necks.
![pink-necked green pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons.jpg)
Wikipedia
9. The Lahore pigeon.
Coming from Iran, this fancy breed is a popular pet among pigeon lovers.
![lahore pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-12.png)
Reddit
10. Archangel pigeons.
This breed gets its name from its contrasting feather colors.
![english barb pigeons](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-18.png)
Instagram
11. The common bronzewing pigeon.
These are actually Australia’s most common pigeons!
![common bronzewing pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-5.jpg)
Wikipedia
12. The Old Dutch Capuchine.
Popular in Malaysia and Singapore, this breed has a feathered hood and a head crest.
![](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-15.png)
Instagram
13. The African green pigeon.
As you might have noticed, this breed bears a striking resemblance to the African green parrot!
![african green pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-9.jpg)
Wikipedia
14. The Ice pigeon.
These birds get their color from feather dust.
![ice pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-13.jpg)
Wikipedia
15. The English Trumpeter.
These pigeons are quite popular in the U.S.
![english trumpeter pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-17.jpg)
Wikipedia
16. The western, or blue, crowned pigeon.
This beauty is the official provincial bird of Western New Guinea.
![western crowned pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-7.jpg)
Wikipedia
17. A blue bar Frillback pigeon.
Frillbacks come in a variety of colors, including brown, yellow, and blue, as seen below.
![blue bar frillback pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-3.jpg)
Wikipedia
18. The South German Monk.
Can you guess how this pigeon got its name?
![south german monk pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-20.jpg)
Wikipedia
19. Yellow-footed green pigeons.
This colorful species is the state bird of Maharashtra, India.
![yellow-footed green pigeons](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-19.jpg)
Wikipedia
20. The English Carrier pigeon.
This breed has several prominent features, including a long neck.
![english carrier pigeon](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pretty-pigeons-16.jpg)
Wikipedia
Who knew pigeons could be so gorgeous? We’ll definitely think twice about calling them pests from now on.
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