ExploreBird

Kea

Nestor notabilis

The Kea is a fun-loving parrot from New Zealand! They are playful and curious, often seen sliding down snowy hills just for fun.

Habitat: Mountainous regions of New Zealand

Appearance

The Kea is an olive-green parrot with bright orange underwings and a long, curved grey beak. Its dark eyes and strong legs give it a confident, agile appearance, distinct from other parrots.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPsittaciformesFamilyPsittacidaeGenusNestor

Kea

Interesting facts

Kea are highly curious and known to investigate cars, backpacks, and anything new!

Kea are the only alpine parrot in the world, living in snowy mountains!

Their name, "Kea," comes from their loud, drawn-out call: "keee-aaa."

These clever birds have been observed playing, rolling down snowy slopes just for fun!

Special abilities

Kea can solve complex puzzles because of their high intelligence that helps them find food and shelter.

Kea has powerful wings and unique feather structure that helps them fly gracefully through mountain winds.

Kea can manipulate objects with their strong beak and agile feet that helps them access hidden resources.

Kea can quickly learn new behaviors by observing others, helping them adapt to changing environments.

Measurements & details

Length: 44-50 cm
Wingspan: 80-90 cm
Weight: 0.8-1 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Top Speed: 55 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-4
Incubation: 21-29 days
Migration Distance: 0 km

Diet & Feeding

Kea are clever omnivores, eating almost anything they can find, from plants to insects and even carrion.

Age differences: Young kea rely more on easy-to-find plant matter before developing diverse foraging skills.

Primary Foods

berries
seeds
nectar
insect larvae
carrion
roots

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Silver Beech

Nothofagus menziesii

Forages on seeds and nectar in the forest.

eats

Domestic Sheep

Ovis aries

Scavenges carrion or fat from backs of live sheep.

eaten by

Stoat

Mustela erminea

Predates on Kea eggs and chicks in nests.

eats

Golden Speargrass

Aciphylla aurea

Digs up and consumes its nutritious roots.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.