New Zealand Pigeon
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. Chatham Island Pigeon, the only similar species, is larger and confined to Chatham Islands.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
- Authority
- (Gmelin, JF, 1789)
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Hemiphaga
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Green-tailed Sunbird
Aethopyga nipalensis
The species’ name is technically accurate, but the male’s bright greenish-blue head is much more noticeable than his tail. Also note his red upper back and bright yellow underparts. Female is olive-yellow with paler underparts and a grayish head. Note the lack of a strongly contrasting pale rump patch as compared to female Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird. Green-tailed inhabits montane and hill forests and forest edge. Gives a sharp “zit!” and ringing twitters.

Pangani Longclaw
Macronyx aurantiigula
A large and relatively colorful member of the pipit family with a black necklace, a yellow-orange throat, a yellow breast, and whitish sides with long streaks. The white corners of the dark tail are conspicuous during its weak, fluttering flight. Found in grassland with some bushes and trees. Similar to Yellow-throated Longclaw, though there is only minor overlap in range; orange-throated birds are easily identified, but some individuals have a yellow throat, and these can be separated by their paler and much more heavily streaked flanks. Brownish immatures can be confused with pipits, but are larger and more robust. Not very vocal, but gives a high-pitched whistle and a simple song of doubled phrases.

Pallas's Fish-Eagle
Haliaeetus leucoryphus
A pale-headed raptor of inland marshes and lakes. Tends to be uncommon and thinly distributed throughout its range. Adult is dark brown above with a paler belly and dirty-gray head. When in flight from below, a broad white band on the dark tail is the most eye-catching feature. Juveniles have an all-dark tail, but have two bright white panels on the undersides of the wingtips; this patterning can be similar to that of some kites, but the fish-eagle is much larger, with a longer-winged and comparatively shorter-tailed profile.
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