The Kererū, affectionately known as the “drunkest bird,” exhibits unique behavior. Despite its stunning iridescent feathers, this chubby pigeon has a penchant for intoxication, fueled by its love for fruits.
After feasting on fruit, the Kererū’s crop—a part of its digestive system—fills with organic matter ripe for fermentation, especially when exposed to sunlight. This adaptation allows them to consume large quantities of food, but it also leads to occasional inebriation.
In 2010, approximately 60 intoxicated Kererū were brought to the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei, amusing and bewildering observers. Despite their tipsy antics, these birds remain beloved in New Zealand.
They serve as essential “gardeners of the sky,” dispersing seeds from large fruits and contributing to plant propagation. Interestingly, their ancient counterpart, the moa bird, has long vanished, with sightings persisting until 1993, prompting investigations into their authenticity.
Source: sciencelearn.org.nz; simple.wikipedia.org; scottbutlernz.medium.com; kcc.org.nz; en.wikipedia.org;
Image Source: shutterstock.com
