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Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae is a forest pigeon endemic to New Zealand. The nominate subspecies breeds on the North, South and Stewart Islands, and several offshore islands. It is in rapid decline in Northland - a 1993 survey indicated a 50% decline within 14 years . Studies indicate that declines are occurring elsewhere . The subspecies "chathamensis" is only found in the Chatham Islands. The subspecies "spadicea", of Norfolk Island, went extinct in the early 20th century . This very friendly kereru, was spotted at Willowbank reserve, Christchurch NZ.
Spotted on Apr 14, 2011
Submitted on Jan 21, 2013
8 Comments
Dear @AliHp, that bird is a colorful big native NZ pigeon, and in Maori its called Kereru...
It is similar to a pigeon, but I think it's kind of wild life in the forest to be original...:)
Dear @AliHp, it's a captive bird, and it's very familiar with people...My daughters were trying to reach it and feed it and it was leaning towards them, so I snapped the pics :)
Very Sweet And Wonderful!...:-)
Dear @Alicelongmartin, they're really big, and I love their color :)
Dear @Argy Bee, it is, and I added information to the spotting.
One for my Grandson!
Strange looking pigeon. Must be another NZ native bird. :)