Kea
Image: Tadhg C (cc-by-nc)
NameKea
Common NameKea
Scientific NameNestor notabilis
FamilyStrigopidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsPredominantly olive-green body plumage with dark brown scalloping on the feathers, giving a mottled appearance. The underwings are a striking orange-red, visible during flight. The rump is also reddish-orange. It has a long, curved, dark grey upper mandible and a shorter lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, loud, high-pitched call, often transcribed as 'keee-aa' or 'kee-ah', which gives the bird its name. They also produce a variety of squawks, trills, and chattering sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsalpine, subalpine forest, scrubland, tussock grassland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the mountainous regions of the South Island of New Zealand.
Identifying FeaturesLarge olive-green parrot, Brilliant orange-red underwings, Long, curved dark beak, Highly intelligent and curious behavior, Distinctive 'keee-aa' call, Found only in New Zealand's South Island mountains
Description
The Kea is a large, intelligent parrot endemic to the mountainous regions of New Zealand's South Island. Known for its olive-green plumage and brilliant orange underwings, it is the world's only alpine parrot. They are highly curious and often interact with humans, sometimes exhibiting mischievous behavior.
