13 October, 2009

New Zealand Pigeon

Scientific Name: Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Population Estimate: Unknown, but Near Threatened status

Range / Habitat: Endemic to New Zealand where found in native forest and forest patches throughout both islands.
FIeld Notes: Large pigeon with iridescent green head and wings with white breast. Very loud when taking off in flight. Unmistakable in range. 

Personal Notes: When we were first in New Zealand we only came across this bird in appreciable numbers on the west coast of the South Island. On our return a few years later, this bird was much more visible on the North Island, even near the CBD of Wellington. Maori name Kereru.

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