Kea

The Kea is a large parrot endemic to the South Island of New Zealand and the only parrot species in the world adapted to an alpine environment. It is renowned among ornithologists for its exceptional intelligence and curiosity.

Appearance

Overall plumage is olive-green with dusky scalloped edging on the feathers, giving a slightly mottled look. In flight, the underwings flash a bright orange-red, a striking contrast to the otherwise subdued body color. The bill is large, grey-brown, and strongly curved, well suited to its varied diet.

Key field marks

• Olive-green body with scalloped feather edges
• Bright orange-red underwing patches, conspicuous in flight
• Large, strongly curved grey-brown bill
• Found in open alpine and subalpine terrain, often near tree line

Similar species

The Kea's closest relative, the Kaka, is more reddish-brown overall with a orange-red belly and crimson underwing, and inhabits lowland and montane forest rather than open alpine country. Habitat and range are usually the quickest way to separate the two, since the Kea is rarely far from mountainous terrain.

Range

The Kea is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, found nowhere else in the world.

Habitat

It occupies alpine and subalpine zones, including beech forest edges, scrubland, and tussock grassland, often ranging up to and above the tree line near permanent snow.

Migration

Kea are non-migratory, though birds may shift to lower elevations during harsh winter conditions in search of food.

Behavior

Kea are exceptionally intelligent and inquisitive, frequently investigating unfamiliar objects and demonstrating advanced problem-solving abilities; they are considered among the most cognitively capable of all parrots. They are highly social, often seen in small flocks.

Voice

The species' name derives from its loud, far-carrying "kee-aa" call, given both in flight and while perched.

Feeding

Kea have a broad omnivorous diet including roots, leaves, berries, nectar, insects, and carrion, reflecting their adaptability to the sparse resources of alpine environments.

Nesting and breeding

Nests are built in ground burrows, rock crevices, or under tree roots. Breeding typically occurs during the southern winter and spring months.