The Chatham Islands pigeon, also known as the Chatham pigeon or parea, is a bird endemic to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. Growing to 800 g (28 oz) in weight and 55 cm (22 in) in length, the Chatham Islands pigeon is closely related to the kererū or New Zealand pigeon, the only other species in the genus Hemiphaga.
Region
Chatham Islands, New Zealand
Typical Environment
Confined to lowland and valley forests, scrub, and shelterbelts on Chatham Island, with smaller numbers on nearby islands when habitat and predators allow. It favors native broadleaf forest and regenerating shrublands rich in fruiting trees. Birds often move locally to track seasonal fruit supplies, using forest edges, wetlands margins, and farmland groves. Key strongholds are protected areas with intensive predator control and ongoing forest restoration.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the parea, this large forest pigeon is endemic to the Chatham Islands and was once reduced to just a few dozen birds in the late 20th century. Intensive predator control and habitat protection have led to a strong recovery. It is a key seed disperser for native trees, swallowing large fruits whole and moving seeds across the landscape. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the New Zealand pigeon (kererū), it is now regarded as a distinct species.
Chatham pigeon or parea foraging in a grassy field
Temperament
generally shy but can be confiding where protected
Flight Pattern
strong flier with loud, whirring wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small loose groups at abundant food sources. Builds a flimsy platform nest of twigs high in trees. Typically lays a single egg; both parents incubate and feed the chick with crop milk, followed by fruit pulp.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, low cooing calls given from perches in the canopy. Wingbeats produce a distinctive whooshing sound during takeoff and display flights.
Plumage
Glossy iridescent green to blue-purple upperparts with a bronze sheen, sharply contrasting with clean white underparts and lower breast.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits of native trees and shrubs, swallowing large drupes and berries whole and dispersing seeds intact. When fruit is scarce it supplements with leaves, buds, and flowers. It plays a crucial role in regenerating forests by moving seeds long distances.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and mid-story of broadleaf forest and along forest edges. Also visits regenerating scrub, wetlands margins, and farmland shelterbelts where fruiting plants are available.
