New Zealand Pigeon
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Doves and Pigeons

New Zealand Pigeon

Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

LCLeast Concern Endemic to New Zealand
Family
Doves and Pigeons (Columbidae)
Order
Columbiformes

Overview

The kererū (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), also known as kūkupa (northern Māori dialects), New Zealand pigeon or wood pigeon, is a species of pigeon native to New Zealand. Johann Friedrich Gmelin described the bird in 1789 as a large, conspicuous pigeon up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and 550–850 g (19–30 oz) in weight, with a white breast and iridescent green–blue plumage. Two subspecies have been recognised; the second—the Norfolk pigeon of Norfolk Island—became extinct in the early 20th century. Kererū pairs are monogamous, breeding over successive seasons and remaining together when not breeding.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Continents

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Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.