A large, olive-brown parrot endemic to New Zealand. Adults have a deep crimson belly and undertail with a red-orange underwing. South Island birds are brighter with a white crown. Juveniles have a yellow base to their lower bill. A forest-dwelling parrot that is more common on offshore islands, but flourishes in areas where mammalian predators are controlled; some visit city and rural gardens. Harsh, grating “kra-aa” call is often heard before the bird is seen. The species also whistles a series of tuneful notes while perched. Distinguishable from Kea by smaller size, olive-brown as opposed to olive-green plumage, and range. (eBird)
i love that thing, screams like a fucking dinosaur as it flies overhead. they werent common until like 5 yrs ago because of increased conservation efforts in my city. they are loud and beautiful and a great symbol of local efforts to restore native wildlife populations
Local bird, a rare sight
[New Zealand Kaka] because they're in my backyard sometimes
Kererū (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae)
Large pigeon endemic to New Zealand with distinctive blue-green iridescent plumage, white belly, and red eye. Makes conspicuous display flights in breeding season; often seen feeding on heavily fruiting trees or fresh leaves and flower buds in spring. Widespread where food is available. Only emits soft “oo” calls, but note distinctive wingbeat sound, especially when alighting or taking off. (eBird)
They’re so joyous and whimsical and they get drunk off of berries fermenting in their stomach and fall out of the tree. Ideal creature
They are super cute and also keep trying to stand on branches that are too small for them and then fall off or hang upsidedown
My favourite of all the places I’ve lived had a tree right outside my second floor window and the time at which I got home every day was the time at which a kereru best liked hanging out in that tree. I was so happy to see it =)
Massive. Colourful. Pigeon. That eats huge berries whole.
