Kea
ExploreBirds
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
Category
BirdsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Master Problem-Solver
Kea can solve complex puzzles because of their high intelligence that helps them find food and shelter.
Ability
Alpine Aviator
Kea has powerful wings and unique feather structure that helps them fly gracefully through mountain winds.
Ability
Tool Innovator
Kea can manipulate objects with their strong beak and agile feet that helps them access hidden resources.
Ability
Social Learner
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Mountain ParrotNestor
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Kea?
44-50 cm
What is Kea's wingspan?
80-90 cm
How much does Kea weigh?
0.8-1 kg
How long does Kea live?
15-20 years
How fast can Kea move?
55 km/h
What does Kea eat?
Kea are clever omnivores, eating almost anything they can find, from plants to insects and even carrion.
Where is Kea usually found?
Mountainous regions of New Zealand
How does Kea hunt?
Foraging
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