Kereru_DTP_0009

Kereru (New Zealand Native Wood Pigeon) in a Pigeon Wood Tree which have serrated edges to there leaves and a small oval berry (approximately 12 to 15mm in size) of orange/red coloration.

Habitat and distribution is widespread throughout the Native Forested regions of New Zealand.

Kereru are New Zealand's only endemic species of pigeon, they make a very subdued goo sound and eat a wide variety of food including fruits, seeds, flowers & foliage from our native & exotic plants, they are one of our most important birds for the growth and regeneration of native forest by carrying the seed to different places, as it passes though there digestive system the fertile seed then dropped to the ground in a knew area and has a chance to germinate into another tree, a food source for the future generations of pigeon's and other birds.

Breeding is from late August to March with only a single white egg being laid in a flimsy nest consisting mostly of twigs and incubation is 20 to 30 days.

Ref: Kereru_DTP_0009

Date: 5/10/07

Location: Western Hills, Northland New Zealand.

Photographer: David Towgood

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