Forget winged rats — photographer snaps some of the world's most unique and vibrant pigeons

This portrait photographer has made it her mission to change people’s perception of pigeons. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Focusing on some of the most beautiful of the more than 300 species found globally. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Rather than focus on the grey, nondescript birds’ people usually associate with the term “pigeon,” Leila Jeffreys has instead decided to snap the more vibrant varieties. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Whether it be the wompoo pigeon, with its deep purple breast and green wings, or the rose-crowned fruit dove, with its pink head, Jeffreys, 46, gives the birds the same attention she would a model. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Working in her simple studio, the photographer shoots the vibrant variations of pigeon and dove against a solid white background. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

The idea for the series, named Ornithurae, came to Sydney-basedJeffreys three years ago, after she witnessed the amazing plumage of a wompoo pigeon firsthand. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Jeffreys felt “pigeons and doves were misunderstood,” and she “wanted to tell their story and reveal just how diverse they can be.” (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Jeffreys worked predominantly with wildlife rescue birds, but she also went to Sydney’s famous Taronga Zoo to find some unusual subjects. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Explaining her setup, Jeffreys said: “I try to explain it like a photographer’s studio but bird size.” (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

“There’s a little paper roll, a perch instead of a stool to post on, a little catering — seeds and nuts, some water.” (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

“Then it’s down to staying quiet, gently speaking to them, seeing if they connect with me.” (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

“[I let] them lead, and I’m there to hopefully capture something special.” (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Photographing her subjects, be it a Luzon bleeding-heart dove or a crested pigeon, requires the same kinds of interaction as a photographer would need to undertake with humans, Jeffreys said. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

During shoots, she is constantly talking to the birds, looking to get their attention and encouraging them to strike an interesting pose. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

The series, which was photographed between 2015 and 2017, is currently on display at the Purdy Hicks Gallery in London, running through Aug. 24. (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)

Jeffreys added: “Pigeons have extraordinary mental and physical powers. They can be beautiful, and they have had a long history of helping humans deliver messages, saving even lives with their homing capabilities.” (Photo: Leila Jeffreys/Caters News)