Kea

The kea is a species of large parrot in the family Strigopidae that is endemic to the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. About 48 cm (19 in) long, it is mostly olive-green, with brilliant orange under its wings, and has a large, narrow, curved, grey-brown upper beak. Its omnivorous diet consists mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar, and insects, but also includes carrion. It was once killed for bounty due to concern by sheep-farmers that it attacked livestock, especially sheep. The kea is now uncommon, and received absolute protection under the Wildlife Act in 1986.

Kea are renowned for their curiosity and manipulative behaviors, often investigating novel objects and dismantling human-made items such as backpacks, cars, and equipment. Foraging is opportunistic and innovative: they dig for roots and tubers, strip bark to access sap or insects, and use their beaks to lever up stones or probe crevices. Kea have been observed using tools, such as sticks, to access food. Social interactions are complex, involving play, allopreening, and vocal communication; play includes aerial acrobatics, object manipulation, and social games. Hierarchies exist, with dominant individuals gaining priority access to food. Kea are known to scavenge carrion, including sheep carcasses, and have been documented attacking live sheep, typically targeting fat-rich areas. Daily routines involve communal roosting at night and active foraging during the day, often covering large distances in search of food.

Kea are seasonal breeders, with the breeding season typically spanning from July to January. They are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds. Nests are constructed in natural cavities such as rock crevices, under tree roots, or in burrows, often well-concealed and lined with moss, leaves, and feathers. Females lay 2–5 eggs per clutch, with incubation lasting approximately 21–28 days, performed solely by the female while the male provides food. Chicks hatch altricial and are brooded by the female for the first 1–2 weeks. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge at around 10–13 weeks of age. Juvenile survival is variable and heavily influenced by predation and food availability.

Kea exhibit several unique adaptations for alpine life: their dense, insulating plumage protects against cold and wet conditions, while strong, curved beaks and zygodactyl feet facilitate climbing and foraging in rugged terrain. Their intelligence and behavioral flexibility allow them to exploit unpredictable food sources and solve novel problems. Kea have a high basal metabolic rate, supporting energetic activity in cold environments. Their social learning abilities enable rapid dissemination of new foraging techniques within flocks. The bright underwing coloration is thought to play a role in social signaling and mate attraction.

The Kea holds a prominent place in New Zealand culture and folklore. Māori traditionally regarded the Kea as a mischievous mountain spirit, sometimes as a guardian, but also as a trickster. In European settler history, Kea were vilified for attacking sheep, leading to widespread culling. Today, the Kea is celebrated as a symbol of New Zealand’s unique wildlife and is featured in art, literature, and tourism campaigns. Its intelligence and playful behavior have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike, though its penchant for mischief can be controversial.

Recent research has focused on Kea cognition, revealing advanced problem-solving, tool use, and social learning comparable to corvids and great apes. Studies have documented contagious play behavior, where play spreads through a group, and evidence of cooperative problem-solving. Conservation research has highlighted the impact of lead poisoning from building materials and the effectiveness of nest protection measures. Ongoing genetic studies aim to clarify population structure and inform management. The Kea Conservation Trust and other organizations are actively involved in monitoring populations, public education, and developing non-lethal conflict mitigation strategies.

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The Kea is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

The Kea population is threatened by a combination of factors: predation by introduced mammals (stoats, rats, possums, and cats) on eggs and chicks; historical persecution by humans, including a government bounty (1860s–1970s) that resulted in the killing of an estimated 150,000 birds; habitat loss and fragmentation; and poisoning from lead and pest control toxins. Current population estimates suggest fewer than 7,000 individuals remain, with ongoing declines in some areas. Conservation challenges include mitigating human-wildlife conflict, especially where Kea damage property or scavenge at rubbish dumps, and reducing exposure to toxins. Climate change may also impact alpine habitats, further threatening the species.