Kereru

The Kereru, also known as the New Zealand Pigeon, is a large and distinctive forest pigeon endemic to New Zealand. It is easily recognised by its deep green and purple iridescent upperparts, bright white breast and belly, and heavy, rounded body.

Kereru play a vital ecological role as one of the few birds capable of swallowing and dispersing the large fruits of native trees, making them essential to forest regeneration.

Often seen perched quietly high in the canopy or flying with loud wingbeats between trees, the Kereru is a culturally significant and much loved species in New Zealand.