New Zealand Pigeon
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
- Class
- Bird
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 17,626
- Most observed in
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The kererū, also known as kūkupa, New Zealand pigeon or wood pigeon, is a species of pigeon native to New Zealand. Johann Friedrich Gmelin described the bird in 1789 as a large, conspicuous pigeon up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and 550–850 g (19–30 oz) in weight, with a white breast and iridescent green–blue plumage. Two subspecies have been recognised; the second—the Norfolk pigeon of Norfolk Island—became extinct in the early 20th century. Kererū pairs are monogamous, breeding over successive seasons and remaining together when not breeding. They construct nests with twigs in trees, with a single egg clutch.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Kererū”.