Locals often have to take these “drunk” birds to medical centers to “recover”.

New Zealand wood pigeons , also known as Kereru pigeons, are known as “ sky drunkards ” due to their peculiar eating habits. (Photo: Zealandia)

In the summer, when ripe fruits fall to the ground, Kereru pigeons often eat these fruits. What’s special is that these fruits have begun to ferment, creating alcohol. When eating these fruits, Kereru pigeons easily get drunk, lose their balance and move unsteadily. (Photo: Metro) 

This phenomenon is not only funny but can also be dangerous for these birds. When drunk, they can fall from high tree branches to the ground, causing injury or even death. Locals often have to take these “drunk” birds to medical centers to “recover from hangovers.” (Photo: Otago Daily Times) 

Kereru pigeons have colorful feathers and are quite large, weighing up to nearly 1 kg and measuring more than 50 cm in length. (Photo: Flickr) 

They usually eat fruits, leaves, buds and flowers. However, their habit of eating fermented fruits has made them a unique and interesting phenomenon in the animal world. (Photo: BBC) 

Although protected by law, the number of Kereru pigeons has not increased significantly due to their weak reproductive ability and the dangers of their eating habits. (Photo: Facebook) 

A female Kereru pigeon can only lay one egg at a time and it takes 28 days for the egg to hatch. (Photo: Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand) 

Kereru pigeons play an important role in dispersing the seeds of many native plants. They are the only birds in New Zealand that can eat and disperse the seeds of some large-seeded fruits. (Photo: Science Learning Hub)