Chatham pigeon

The Chatham Island pigeon (Hemiphaga chathamensis) or parea (from its Moriori name) is a bird endemic to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. Growing to 800g in weight and 55 cm in length, the Chatham Island pigeon is closely related to the kererū or New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), the only other species in the genus Hemiphaga.

Chatham pigeon
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Hemiphaga
Species:
H. chathamensis
Binomial name
Hemiphaga chathamensis
(Rothschild, 1891)
Synonyms

Hemiphaga novaseelandiae chathamensis

While rated vulnerable by IUCN,[1] it is considered critically threatened in New Zealand.[2] After the population declined to 40 birds in the late 1980s, conservation efforts have helped their numbers increase to around 500 birds,[3] largely restricted to the southern forests of Chatham Island (particularly those around the Tuku River). A few have been seen elsewhere on Chatham Island and also further afield on Pitt and South East Islands.[4] They were common in the 1870s but habitat destruction and predation by mammalian invasive species reduced the population to only 40 birds by 1990. Since then, predator control and stock fencing in and around the Tuku valley have resulted in improved breeding success which has led to rapid population growth.[4]

Chatham pigeon or parea foraging in a grassy field

Traditionally considered a subspecies of the kereru, it was proposed in 2001 to be distinct enough to be raised to full species status.[5][6][7]

Because the Chatham Islands have been separated from the mainland of New Zealand for so long, the Chatham pigeon has evolved differently from its mainland relative, the kereru. There are a number of differences between the two pigeons. The Chatham pigeon is around 20% heavier than the kereru and it has a heavier bill. Unlike the kereru it has an enlarged hind toe which helps it to scrabble about on the forest floor. The Chatham pigeon generally nests from June to October, while the kereru nests from September to January. The Chatham pigeon nests in bracken or fern near the ground while the kereru prefers to nest in a tree, out of harm's way. The Chatham pigeon's egg is also much bigger.

Chatham pigeon feed on the fruits of the hoho (Pseudopanax chathamicus), matipo, mahoe and karamu tree, and the foliage of mahoe, hoho and clover. The succulent fruits of the hoho are especially sought after. They are at their best in August and September, which coincides with the peak of the pigeon's breeding season.

Chatham pigeon is renowned for their spectacular flying dives, especially by the males, to attract a mate. Most breed at 1 to 2 years of age, laying just one egg. Chicks fledge at about 45 days old and become independent at 3 months. They have a life expectancy of up to 25 years.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2014). "Hemiphaga chathamensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2015.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Miskelly, C.M.; Dowding, J.E.; Elliot, G.P.; Hitchmough, R.A.; Powlesland, R.G.; Robertson, H.A.; Sagar, P.M.; Scofield, R.P.; Taylor, G.A. (2008). "Conservation status of New Zealand birds". Notornis. 55 (3): 117–135. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  3. "Facts about Chatham Island pigeon". Department of Conservation. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  4. Barrie Heather and Hugh Robertson, "The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand" (revised edition), Viking, 2005
  5. Millener, P. R., and R. G. Powlesland. (2001). The Chatham Island pigeon (Chatham pigeon) deserves full species status; Hemiphaga chathamensis (Rothschild 1891); Aves: Columbidae. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 31:365-383.
  6. Clements, J. (2007). The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World. Edition 6. Christopher Helm. ISBN 978-0-7136-8695-1
  7. Dickinson, E. (2003). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. Edition 3. Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7136-6536-X

Further reading
  • Hutching, G. (2004). Back from the Brink. The Fight to Save our Endangered Birds. Penguin Books: Auckland.
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