BirdNote Daily Kererū: Pigeons That Get Tipsy
Dec 31, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of kererū, the charming green-blue pigeons of New Zealand. These birds love to feast on fruit, but their sundrenched snacks lead to some unexpected consequences. Their crops ferment the fruit, turning it into alcohol that can leave them tipsy and prone to falling from trees. Kind locals often rescue these drunken doves, helping them sober up and return to their perch. Plus, learn why kererū were voted New Zealand's Bird of the Year and enjoy a humorous take on their quirky antics!
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Kererū Are Essential Seed Dispersers
- Kererū are the only birds that currently ingest and pass seeds of many native New Zealand trees, making them crucial seed dispersers.
- Their crop ferments fruit, effectively turning recent meals into alcohol inside their digestive system.
Fermented Fruit Makes Kererū Tipsy
- In warm months the Kererū's crop-fermented fruit can intoxicate them, sometimes causing them to fall from trees.
- Compassionate New Zealanders often rescue these inebriated pigeons and bring them to bird rescues to sober up.
Kiwis Rescue Drunken Kererū
- People frequently find drunken Kererū falling from trees and bring them to local rescues for care.
- The podcast notes citizens delivered "armfuls of these flaming drunk pigeons" to rescuers during busy seasons.