The kea ( ; ; Nestor notabilis) 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 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 Wildli
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The kea is a large, olive-green parrot found only in the forested and alpine regions of New Zealand's South Island, distinguished by its brilliant orange underwings and curved grey-brown beak. Once hunted extensively by sheep farmers who believed it attacked livestock, the kea is now uncommon and protected by law due to its declining population.
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Article
14 sectionsContents
- Taxonomy and naming
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Behaviour
- Breeding
- Cognitive abilities
- Diet and feeding
- Sheep
- Relationship with humans
- Cultural references
- Threats
- Conservation
- References
- External links
The kea ( ; ; Nestor notabilis) 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 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.
The kea nests in burrows or crevices among the roots of trees. Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment. Kea can solve logical puzzles, such as pushing and pulling things in a certain order to get to food, and will work together to achieve a certain objective. They have been filmed preparing and using tools.