BirdUp · Species
New Zealand Pigeon
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae(Gmelin, JF, 1789)
Also known asKererūKūkupa
- Order
- COLUMBIFORMES
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Hemiphaga
- Conservation
- Least Concern
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
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.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
02 · Where
Where to find it
- Breeding range
- New Zealand: North, South, and Stewart Islands; Norfolk Island (formerly, extinct).
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
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