Bob Mitchener / My Paintings

            NZ Native Kereru (wood Pigeon)  9 x 12 in. Acrylic

These beautiful birds can grow up to 650g. in weight. They feed on native berries and can get intoxicated from the fermenting berries in their gut.  This made them easy prey for maori in the 19th century. The favoured method was the spear them from below as they sat intoxicated in the pururi trees.  Today they are a protected species.

 NZ Native Tui  9 x 12 in. Acrylic. 

Their distinctive call is due to two voice boxes. They are territorial and are known to aggressively protect their food source.  A favourite being the Kowhai flowers.