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A Kea parrot on a rock looks up at the photographer. — Endemic to New Zealand, the adult male kea measures around 50 cm long and weighs over a kilo.

Kea, an astonishing bird species

New Zealand Wildlife
Published on 2018-12-27
Revised on 2024-03-25

A loud call echoes through the valley. In no time at all, a splendid kea lands beside us. The world’s only species of alpine parrot is a real beauty. Their green feathers contrast beautifully with the bright red and orange ones under their wings. These birds are truly charming, curious and, above all, highly intelligent!

During our stay in Aoraki/Mont Cook National Park, we observed them on several occasions, alone, in groups, eating or squabbling. They have a reputation as clowns, sometimes destructive. Given their great interest in rubber, bicycle saddles and windshield wiper blades make very popular toys for keas! Unfortunately, the Nestor Notabilis species is threatened by extinction due to a persistent decline in the adult population.

To find out more: visit NZ Birds Online

A ray of sunlight illuminates a kea parrot in an alpine landscape. — Kea lives in alpine environments up to over 2000 metres and nest on the ground in the native forests of the South Island.

Resting on a tall stem, a kea feeds on the nectar of flax flowers. — Kea are omnivores and love the nectar of flax flowers.

Posed on a rock, a pair of kea look at the photographer. — The female kea is about 20% lighter than the male and has a slightly shorter beak.

Resting on a rock, two kea parrots seem to be playing with their beaks. — Many stories confirm the Kea’s intelligence. For example, one kea has learned to turn on the water tap at the Aspiring refuge campsite, while another activates stoat traps to obtain the eggs placed in them as bait.

A kea spreads its wings on a rock. — Although human activities are among the reasons for the kea’s decline, predator attacks (possums, ermines, rats) are a serious problem for all New Zealand bird species.

TERRA TRIBUTA

EXPLORE

EXPLORE

Kea, an astonishing bird species

TERRA TRIBUTA