Kea (Nestor notabilis)

Other Names (World)
Kea, Mountain Parrot

Family
Strigopidae (New Zealand Parrots)

Size
46 - 50 cm

First Described (Guide)
Gould, 1856

Habitat
Montane to alpine areas to 2,100 m.

Range (Guide)

New Zealand (B).

Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.

Population
Estimated population is 5,000 (2010) and decreasing.

Status EN
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

Habits
Solitary, in pairs or small groups of up to ten.

Food
Omnivoruos but mainly herbivorous. Roots, seeds, leaves, stems, flowers.

Voice
A raucous 'kee--e-ah', often uttered when taking flight or in flight. A 'kua-ua-ua-ua' territorial call.

Xeno-Canto Sound Files (more (10)...)

Kea (Nestor notabilis) [XC796387]
by Romuald Mikusek from Arthur's Pass National Park, Selwyn District, Canterbury, New Zealand (call)

Kea (Nestor notabilis) [XC405515]
by Romuald Mikusek from Arthur's Pass, Selwyn District, Canterbury, New Zealand (call)

Nest
At the end of a tunnel, composed of lichen, moss, ferns, twigs, leaves and small peices of wood, located on the ground in a well-drained area, often near a large rock or dead tree.

Eggs (Guide)
2 - 3; white, granular or nearly smooth; elliptical; 41 - 49 x 31 - 35 mm. Incubation:about 21 - 28 days; probably by female only.

Young
Altricial, nidicolous. Fledge in about 91 days.

Subspecies
No subspecies.

Similar Species
Unmistakable but avoid confusion with New Zealand Kaka (Nestor meridionalis).

References
See References.

Files:

JPG files for Kea (Nestor notabilis) - 10 files

More Information

BirdLife International

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BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

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