• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Although its population was formerly considered to be decreasing, more recent data indicate that the overall trend is now probably stable or increasing, largely due to conservation interventions. The population size is unknown but is not thought to approach thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population of this species has not been quantified but is described generally as common to uncommon and is predictably most abundant where intensive predator controls have taken place (Baber et al. 2009). The species is recorded at densities of 10-200 birds/km² (Baptista et al. 2020). Given the size of its range, the population is not suspected to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
There is some uncertainty over the trend, driven principally by some differences in urban and rural areas (Carpenter et al. 2021), although it is not suspected to be declining. This species underwent a drastic decline following European settlement and some populations were reported still to be in steep decline in the 1990s: e.g. a survey in Northland in 1993 found a 50% decline over 14 years (Pierce et al. 1993). Recoveries are later recorded in Northland however following intensive predator management (Smith & Westbrooke 2004, Baber et al. 2009) and the current population is still considered conservation dependent (Robertson et al. 2017, 2021). While the contemporary population is much declined compared to that of pre-European settlement, the species has been listed in New Zealand as 'Not Threatened' (according to criteria established by Townsend et al. 2008) and having an increasing population since 2008 (Robertson et al. 2013, 2017, 2021), representing a genuine improvement in status since 2005 when it was listed by Hitchmough et al. (2007) as being in gradual decline. These assessments are supported further by data in Brandt et al. (2020) that show a 43% increase in observations as part of the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey between 2009 and 2019, with a more rapid increase (of 52%) between 2014 and 2019, including increases detected in all regions across Northland and Southland. The overall population is therefore tentatively suspected to be increasing. However, factors underlying temporal occupancy and limiting population sizes are spatially variable and there may be some local fluctuations in response to food abundance and predator control (Carpenter et al. 2021).

Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae is a forest pigeon endemic to New Zealand, breeding on the North, South and Stewart Islands, Little and Great Barrier Islands, Hen and Chicken Islands, Mayor Island and Kapiti Island (del Hoyo et al. 1997, Gibbs et al. 2001). The subspecies spadicea, of Norfolk Island, Australia, went extinct in the early 20th century (Schodde et al. 1983).

The species breeds in native forest; in the non-breeding season birds also utilise exotic plantations and suburban areas. The species is dependent on fruiting trees and it is considered that only a relatively small number of native species are of great importance (Gibbs et al. 2001). Breeding takes a notably long time, with incubation lasting about 30 days and the young fledging after 6-7 weeks (Gibbs et al. 2001).

Introduced predators were the primary cause of declines nationwide, in particular, Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula, black rats Rattus rattus, stoats Mustela erminea and cats (Mander et al. 1998). T. vulpecula and R. rattus also compete for fruit, reducing the number of breeding attempts, and possibly causing the starvation of adults (Mander et al. 1998). Loss of forest habitat through burning and clearance for farmland, removal of firewood and browsing by herbivores is also a threat (Aikman et al. 2001) but was more significant in the early 20th century. Birds were formerly illegally hunted for food, particularly in Northland, with perhaps hundreds being shot each year (Heather and Robertson 1997, Pullman and Pullman 1997, Powlesland 2013) however this has now been diminished. Other mortality factors include collisions with fast moving vehicles, overhead power and telephone wires and windows, and electrocution when perched on some power poles (Powlesland 2013). Although these threats have caused substantial declines in the past (e.g. Pierce et al. 1993), none are currently thought to be doing so (Robertson et al. 2021).

Conservation and Research Actions Underway
Still considered conservation dependent in most of its range (Robertson et al. 2021). Predator-free islands continue to be subject to intensive biosecurity measures which, in some areas, have driven rapid increases.

Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Regularly monitor to determine population trends. Investigate the extent of hunting by local residents. Control hunting where possible, perhaps using awareness campaigns. Continue to protect significant areas of intact native forest throughout its range. Control introduced predators and competitors at key sites.

51 cm. Large, plump green and white pigeon. Head, throat, upper breast and upperparts metallic green with purple sheen; clearly demarcated white lower breast, underparts and legs; red bill and feet. Similar spp. Hemiphaga chathamensis has a matt blackish-grey head, throat, breast and neck sides, also has dark green rather than white undertail coverts and occurs only on the Chatham Islands. Hint Listen for distinctive noisy wingbeats overhead. Voice Call is typically a single 'kuu', sometimes drawn out into almost a wail, plus some growling at the nest. 

Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Symes, A., Martin, R.

Contributors
Beauchamp, A.J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Species factsheet: New Zealand Pigeon Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/new-zealand-pigeon-hemiphaga-novaeseelandiae on 03/01/2025.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2025) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 03/01/2025.