Kea
NameKea
Common NameKea
Scientific NameNestor notabilis
FamilyStrigopidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsPredominantly olive-green with a dull orange-red underwing and rump, and dark blue outer flight feathers. The feathers are edged with black, giving a scalloped appearance. It has a long, narrow, curved grey-brown upper beak.
Vocalization / CallIts name is derived from its loud, high-pitched, drawn-out 'keee-ah' call. They also produce a variety of squawks, trills, and chattering sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsalpine, subalpine, forest, shrubland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the alpine and subalpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand, primarily found in mountainous forests and high-altitude areas.
Identifying Featureslarge curved beak, olive-green plumage with orange-red underwing, intelligent and curious behavior, distinctive 'keee-ah' call, mountain habitat
Description
The Kea is a large, intelligent parrot endemic to the alpine regions of New Zealand's South Island. Known for its olive-green plumage and highly curious, often mischievous, nature, it is one of the few parrots adapted to a mountain environment.
