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Wood Pigeon

Kukupa (Kereru)

Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Wood pigeon are common and easily seen on Ulva and Stewart Island. Their noisy flight is very distinctive, as is the soft "ooooo" of their feeding call.

Many Stewart Island pigeon migrate off the Island in autumn, returning in early spring.

They lay a single egg, often quite late in the summer. The nest photographed above was found in late February,

They are fond of blossom, particularly Kowhai which they will happily strip of both flowers and leaves, to the point one wonders just how the tree survives.

Interestingly there seems to be a recessive gene present in the local flock which results in an all white bird from time to time. It will live in an distinct area and seldom seems to leave. Several years may elapse between the appearance of the next white bird.

Size 510 mm (2nd largest pigeon in the world)


Kukupa. Pigeon are not particularly vocal.
Pigeon. These are big birds, the worlds second largest pigeon
Grazing. Pigeon often graze grasses and other succulent ground herbs
On the ground. This bird is typical in that it has little fear of people
Our garden. Prunus leaves and blossom are targeted in our garden