The New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), famously known by its Māori name kererū, is endemic to New Zealand. It is the only remaining bird in New Zealand capable of swallowing large fruits (such as karaka, miro, and tawa) whole, making it vital for dispersing seeds and sustaining native forests. Known as the "clown of the forest," kererū are heavy birds (weighing up to 850g) that can often be seen hanging upside down to reach berries. In late summer, they frequently gorge on overripe, fermented fruit, getting tipsy and falling out of trees.
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