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New Zealand Pigeon
These huge (20 inch) colorful fruit pigeons are the only native pigeons in New Zealand. This species is split from the similar Chatham Island Pigeon (H. chathamensis) by Clements/eBird, IOC and HBW, but not H&M4 who follow a more traditional approach, retaining the two as subspecies. See Millener & Powlesland (2001) and Goldberg et al (2010). Formerly abundant, this species declined by about 50% over a twenty year period resulting in listing of "near threatened" by IUCN. However it seems to be recovering in recent years. Introduced predators and poaching are the main threats. This species does best in places like Tiritiri Matangi where they are protected and introduced predators eliminated.
Location
Tiritiri Matangi Island, Rodney District, New Zealand
Date taken
12 January 2017
Scientific name
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
Equipment used
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
They do have some pretty iridescent plumage, don't they Joe.

You've a super picture of this guy lad - very well done.
 
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
I'm back again Joe - just to say that I've now added your picture to The Opus article.

Many thanks laddie.
 

Media information

Category
New Zealand, Southern Oceans, Antarctica
Added by
jmorlan
Date added
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28
Comment count
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