About the 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The kea is a large parrot measuring 46 to 50 cm (18 to 20 in) in length, with some specimens possibly reaching 55 cm (22 in). The male is about 5% longer than the female. Adult kea weigh between 750 and 1,000 g (1.65 and 2.20 lb), with males averaging 956 g (2.108 lb) and females averaging 779 g (1.717 lb). The mean adult weight is 922 g (2.033 lb). It has mostly olive-green plumage: the feathers on the sides of its face are dark olive-brown, the back and rump feathers are orange-red, and some of the outer wing feathers are dull blue.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Learn the Kea for real
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