Kuku

/ˈkuːkuː/ noun

Definition

A New Zealand native bird, also called the New Zealand pigeon or wood pigeon, known for its iridescent plumage.

Etymology

From Māori 'kūkū' or 'kuku,' the name used by indigenous New Zealanders for this bird. It's an onomatopoetic name reflecting the bird's distinctive call.

Kelly Says

The kuku is so heavy for a pigeon that it can barely fly—it's a 'dinosaur bird' that survived unchanged for millions of years in New Zealand's isolated ecosystem. It's also one of the most gorgeous pigeons, with shimmering green-bronze feathers.

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