New Zealand Pigeon

New Zealand Pigeon

The Maori name is kereru

It is puffed up because of the cold wind

Today a native New Zealand pigeon visited my garden. This was such an unheard of event that I did not immediately recognise it. We are a long way from its forest habitat. There has been a sudden cooling of the weather. Perhaps it is migrating to a warmer place. All it wanted was a drink of water and a little rest.

This is a big bird, measuring about 51 cm. Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae.