Kereru in Cordyline Tree

17 Nov, 2012
8 likes

The lovely NZ Native Kereru (Wood Pigeon) enjoying the highly-scented flowers of the Cordyline Australis tree (in spite of its name, this tall Cordyline tree is Native to NZ). It grows wild all over the North & South Islands & can add a wonderful structural shape & exotic feel to any private garden. I have two growing in my back garden ...one green & one crimson, which is a cultivated form, I think, as not seen in bush land. My green Cordyline Australis is now over two metres tall & has flowered for the first time, & it has been wonderful to have the occasional Kereru visit, as these pidgeons are usually only spotted in native bushy areas. It's a big bird & has beautiful pink feet.

Comments on this photo

Terratoonie

Fascinating ... do you see a lot of these birds locally in gardens ?

17 Nov, 2012

Katarina

Beautiful bird! As if he had tailcoat :)

17 Nov, 2012

Dwyllis

TT ....no, the Kereru stays mainly in areas of native bush, so always a real treat when one visits the garden. We had a pair visit us last year& my OH was so excited he dashed off for the camera, & did a video of them. But on that occasion they were visiting a big native tree just beyond our back fence ...not sure what the tree is but it has small berries on it.
Katarina ....it is a lovely bird. It's much bigger than the normal pidgeons, & quite colourful ....the feet are vivid pink & nice feather colour too.

18 Nov, 2012

Terratoonie

The pink feet look fascinating ! I can imagine your OH rushing off to do a video of the pair in the tree !

18 Nov, 2012