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

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

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

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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