-
enjoying kowhai leaves
-
Perched on Gum tree at drive entrance in the afternoon. Had been heard earlier in the day
-
-
-
4-5 individuals, at least one pair seen chasing each other, regurgitating food to partner or possibly ad looking chick chick. Hard to see with distance. 2 display flights seen with high flight, stall and then dive.
-
2 birds flew into a kanuka, did a little dance around each other, then settled down to preen and roost on the branches.
-
2 birds flew into a kanuka, did a little dance around each other, then settled down to preen and roost on the branches.
-
2 birds flew into a kanuka, did a little dance around each other, then settled down to preen and roost on the branches.
-
2 birds flew into a kanuka, did a little dance around each other, then settled down to preen and roost on the branches.
-
Not a nice find :-( Remains of a young kereru on the ground. Possibly just fledged or close to it. The remains were found inside the Ark in the Park sanctuary, on the boundary line.
-
-
-
Pair on their favourite perch
-
Interesting kereru observation; bird flew low onto the track, landed in a tree just above the track, then took off again low along the track and landed in another tree. Then it flew onto the ground, wet muddy section. Maybe keen for a drink from a puddle?
-
Interesting kereru observation; bird flew low onto the track, landed in a tree just above the track, then took off again low along the track and landed in another tree. Then it flew onto the ground, wet muddy section. Maybe keen for a drink from a puddle?
-
Interesting kereru observation; bird flew low onto the track, landed in a tree just above the track, then took off again low along the track and landed in another tree. Then it flew onto the ground, wet muddy section. Maybe keen for a drink from a puddle?
-
Interesting kereru observation; bird flew low onto the track, landed in a tree just above the track, then took off again low along the track and landed in another tree. Then it flew onto the ground, wet muddy section. Maybe keen for a drink from a puddle?
-
-
The New Zealand pigeon, or keruru to the Maori people, it is very common and widespread throughout the country. Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae is a species endemic to New Zealand, and is in the family of Columbidae, and the subfamily of Treroninae. While common, populations of keruru only thrive in locations where pets are controlled or eradicated, likely due to New Zealand birds evolving without a fear of predation. Keruru inhabit many different types of areas, including conifer-broadleaf forests, beech forests, regenerative forests that follow logging operations, and areas developed by humans. Keruru can gather in feeding flocks seasonally, and in groups of 20-50 birds or so. Keruru were personally seen in deep cove by our group. Keruru are highly identifiable birds. The upper area of the birds are blue-green, and the neck, mantle, and coverts of the bird is an iridescent purple-bronze. Keruru bills can vary, from being a monotone red to having a paler red or orange tip. The lower breast and underparts of the bird are white, and there is no plumage on the bird shading between the upper and lower sections. The feel and eyes of the bird are crimson as well. Juvenile Keruru have duller or muted plumage colors. The Keruru is a relatively quiet bird, giving off occasional âoosâ, or brief and moderate âoosâ if alarmed. It is hard to mix up a New Zealand Pidgeon with any other bird on New Zealand, as nothing looks similar to it. Keruru breed mostly from September to April, and a single egg is laid. The chick is constantly brooded until ten days of age, when parents leave it alone during the day until about thirty-five to forty days of age. Keruru behave inconspicuously during non-breeding season, but change this during breeding season. Males will frequently display flights at the start of a nesting cycle, and will defend food trees from other pigeons as well. Keruru can stay stationary, but have been observed traveling to reach long distance food sources. This makes the bird important in distribution of seeds between native forest spaces with large spaces between them. Keruru eat buds, leaves, flowers, and fruit from many different species. Ripe fruit seems to be preferred, but when itâs not available Keruru will then move to eating leaves. Keruru are also the only birds allow to eat the endemic pigeonwood that grows. New Zealand pigeon | New Zealand Birds Online. New Zealand pigeon | New Zealand Birds Online Available at: http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/new-zealand-pigeon. (Accessed: 19th January 2017)
-
-
-
-
-