Kea
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/12970885@N03">Mark Whatmough</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NameKea
Common NameKea
Scientific NameNestor notabilis
FamilyNestoridae
Wingspan (cm)90
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsPredominantly olive-green plumage, with a dull orange-red patch on the lower back and underwings, visible when in flight or with wings spread. The feathers are edged with dark brown, giving a scalloped appearance. It has a dark brown, strongly curved upper mandible and dark eyes.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, loud, high-pitched, and drawn-out 'keee-ah' call, which gives the bird its name. They also produce various squawks, chattering, and trilling sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsalpine forest, subalpine scrubland, tussock grassland, mountainous regions
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the mountainous regions of the South Island of New Zealand.
Identifying FeaturesLarge olive-green parrot, Long, curved dark bill, Bright orange-red underwings (visible in flight), Distinctive 'keee-ah' call, Highly intelligent and curious behavior
Description
The Kea is a large, intelligent parrot endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, known for its olive-green plumage and curious, often mischievous, behavior. It is the world's only alpine parrot, adapted to harsh mountain environments where it forages for a diverse diet.
