Image via Macaulay Library
Kea
- Scientific name
- Nestor notabilis
- Family
- Strigopidae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Broad
- Tail shape
- Rounded
Where it came from
The Kea, Nestor notabilis, is a large species of parrot found exclusively in the alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. Its evolution as an alpine specialist has resulted in its distinct physical characteristics, such as broad wings for soaring over rugged mountainous terrain and a rounded tail that aids in maneuverability during high-altitude flight. These birds are known for their extreme intelligence and inquisitive behavior, traits that have allowed them to thrive in harsh environments.
The species was first described by the ornithologist John Gould in 1856. Unlike many avian species, the Kea has had a complex and often strained relationship with humans. Historically, the birds were viewed as pests by high-country sheep farmers, leading to bounty programs that significantly reduced their population. Today, the Kea is recognized as an endangered species, celebrated for its complex problem-solving abilities and protected by conservation efforts aimed at preserving one of the world's few truly alpine parrots.
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About Kea
Kea is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
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