What Is a Kea Parrot?

The kea parrot is a type of parrot native to New Zealand. These parrots usually reach an adult length of about 19 inches (48 cm). The kea parrot's feathers are usually olive-green in color, though the underside of its wings will typically be bright red or orange. The bird's lower back may also be bright red or orange, and its tail is typically blue. The kea parrot normally has a long, hooked beak, though the female specimen's beak will usually be shorter than the male's.

These birds generally build their nests in rocky outcrops, between the months of July and January. The female kea parrot typically lines her nest with lichens and moss, and deposits three or four eggs therein. She will usually sit on the eggs for about 29 days. The male will usually begin to help feed the young when they reach the age of about four weeks. The young kea parrots normally leave the nest at about 13 weeks of age.

Female kea parrots may reach reproductive maturity at about three years of age. Males will usually be old enough to mate at four or five years of age. During a single nesting season, the average male kea parrot will take as many as four mates.

Kea parrots typically subsist on a diet of berries, leaf buds, fruit, flowers, and insects. They may also eat dead animals, especially the fatty parts, and have been known to attack live sheep in order to eat the fatty deposits found near their kidneys. Seeds, roots, and nectar will also form a part of the average kea parrot's diet. These birds can usually hunt for food in the cracks between rocks, using their long, sharp beaks. They have also been seen to raid garbage containers by prying the lids off with their beaks.

This species is known for its attention-seeking, mischievous,and fearless qualities. They will often try to attract the attention of people, and have been seen entering buildings and attacking cars. Kea parrots are also known for their tendency to destroy human property.

These birds usually live on the ground, at altitudes ranging from 900 to 6,000 feet (300 to 2,000 meters). They will usually move to higher altitudes during the summer, where they will feed on berries and fruits. These birds are considered very resistant to low temperatures, however, and some will remain at higher altitudes all year long.

The Kea Parrot, native to New Zealand, is a large, intelligent bird known for its olive-green plumage with brilliant orange under its wings. It's a member of the parrot family and is renowned for its curiosity and playfulness. Keas are the world's only alpine parrots, adapting to live in harsh mountainous environments.

Kea Parrots have an omnivorous diet, which includes leaves, berries, nectar, and insects. They are also known to prey on sheep, consuming the fat around their kidneys. This unusual behavior has led to conflicts with farmers, but it reflects the Kea's adaptability and intelligence in finding food sources.

Kea Parrots are exceptionally intelligent, with cognitive abilities comparable to some primates. They can solve complex problems, use tools, and exhibit playful behavior indicative of advanced reasoning skills. Their intelligence is crucial for survival in the challenging environments of the New Zealand Alps.

Yes, Kea Parrots are considered endangered. According to the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, there are estimated to be between 3,000 and 7,000 Keas left in the wild. Their numbers are declining due to threats such as predation by introduced mammals, lead poisoning, and human conflict.

Kea Parrots are known for their bold interactions with humans, often approaching people out of curiosity. While they can be playful, their tendency to peck and dismantle objects can lead to damage to property, such as cars or outdoor equipment. It's important for humans to observe Keas without feeding or encouraging destructive behavior.

Conservation efforts for Kea Parrots include research, monitoring populations, and community engagement initiatives to protect their habitat. The Kea Conservation Trust works to mitigate human-Kea conflicts and promote awareness. Predator control and reducing lead exposure from old buildings and junk are also crucial for their survival.