kereru

noun

ke·​re·​ru ˈker-ə-ˌrü 

plural kereru

: a large, fruit-eating pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) native to New Zealand that has metallic purplish-green upperparts and white underparts

Apart from their size and striking iridescent-green colouring, kereru are known for their comical antics in spring and summer when they become drunk from gorging on berries which ferment in their stomachs.

—New Zealand Herald, 26 July 2006

called also kuku, kukupa, New Zealand pigeon, wood pigeon

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

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