Kea
A species of Kaka and Kea Scientific name : Nestor notabilis Genus : Kaka and Kea
Kea, A species of Kaka and Kea
Botanical name: Nestor notabilis
Genus: Kaka and Kea
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Description People often ask General Info
Description
Appropriately nicknamed the “naughty alpine parrot”, the kea is not only unique in its memorable behavior, but also has the distinction of being the world's only mountain-ranging parrot species. This large parrot has also recently earned the title of the “world’s smartest bird”, with its intelligence level being classified as close to that of a monkey.
Size
48 cm
Life Expectancy
14 years
Nest Placement
Cavity
Feeding Habits
Kea consumes over 40 plant species, beetle larvae, birds, mammals, and scavenges human refuse. Exhibits unique behavior by audibly locating and preying on shearwater chicks. Notably, kea has a controversial reputation for attacking sheep.
Habitat
Kea primarily inhabit forested and alpine environments within broader temperate zones. Their range extends from lowland areas like river valleys and coastal forests to high-altitude alpine regions. These birds are closely tied to southern beech forests, found from mid- to high-elevation zones between 600 and 2000 meters. Seasonal movements are evident, with kea ascending to subalpine scrublands and grasslands during summer, foraging in higher altitudes for berries in autumn, and retreating below the timberline in winter.
Dite type
Omnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Distribution Area
The kea is one of ten endemic parrot species in New Zealand. 
Species Status
In the 1970s, the kea received partial protection after a census counted only 5,000 birds. The government agreed to investigate any reports of problem birds and have them removed from the land. In 1986 it was given full protection under the Wildlife Act 1953. Despite being classified as Nationally Endangered in the New Zealand Threat Classification System and endangered in the IUCN Red List and protected by law, kea are still deliberately shot.
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