The 'drunk' pigeon hung up the tree branch to become the bird of the year in New Zealand

In the 'bird of the year' selection competition organized by New Zealand Forest and Bird, Kereru dove won with a total of 5,833 / 48,000 valid votes.

Pigeons Kereru, also known as wooden doves, can be found in both the northern and southern regions of the country. The bird was dubbed the "drunken guys" due to his interest in eating the wronged fruits, falling under the ground, leading to lightheadedness, losing balance, moving unsteadily, even falling from tree branches High to the ground.

Dove is brilliant with extremely strange behavior.(photo: Forest & Bird).

In the summer when the fruits quickly ripen, the locals often find the pigeons 'drunken fishing rods' lying on the ground and have to take them to the medical center to 'win wine'.

Observers described this dove as extremely clumsy, drunk and voracious but very colorful. These birds are listed as protected, not because of the declining amount but because of their "drunkenness" that makes them easy to be prey to native predators such as wild cats or ferrets. In addition, the birds often have scuffle with the mouse to fight for food.

There are over 168 bird species in New Zealand and about a quarter of them are at risk of extinction. A small number of others including Kereru are listed as protected. This species currently lives quite well, particularly in some areas due to the ability to control poor predators, the number of Kereru here is strongly reduced.

This bird is an easy prey of native carnivores.(photo: Ross Land / Getty Images).

In the past, this bird used to be hunted for meat and feathers but until now the hunting behavior for this bird is easily prohibited by law. However, some Maori tribes are allowed to use Kereru's bones and feathers on traditional occasions.

Besides, the local authorities also put signs warning people and drivers of vehicles to be careful when crossing the area with many birds. Due to their size and large weight, the birds will cause injuries that are not mild if they fall.

Kereru plays a very important role in the spread of native plants in New Zealand such as Karaka, Miro, Tawa and Taraire. By swallowing the whole fruit tree - something not many birds can do - these pigeons are able to bring the seeds of special plants to far, richer places.