Eellerini

Eellerini is a genus of small, flightless birds belonging to the family Eellerinidae, which is endemic to New Zealand. The genus was first described by the ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe in 1893. Eellerini is monotypic, containing only one species, Eellerinia granti, commonly known as the New Zealand pigeon or the kakariki. This species is native to the North Island of New Zealand and is one of the few bird species that have not been introduced to other parts of the world.

The New Zealand pigeon is a small bird, measuring about 25-30 centimeters in length. It has a distinctive appearance, with a grayish-brown body, a white rump, and a black cap and throat. The bird's most notable feature is its long, slender bill, which is used for probing and extracting insects from tree bark. The New Zealand pigeon is a ground-dwelling bird, often found in forests and scrublands, where it feeds on insects and seeds.

The conservation status of the New Zealand pigeon is of concern. Although it is not currently listed as endangered, its population has declined in recent decades due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species such as rats and stoats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore suitable habitats for this unique bird species.