Kea: where and when to see them

The kea is a large mountain parrot native to New Zealand's South Island. Olive plumage blends surprisingly well with rock and vegetation, while flight exposes brilliant orange beneath the wings. Famous for curiosity, it is also a threatened wild animal facing introduced predators, lead poisoning and conflict around human infrastructure. Its intelligence supports flexible foraging in a challenging environment, but frequent appearances around visitor facilities can disguise its overall scarcity.

Size

46-50 cm long

Weight

0.7-1.1 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Endangered

Kea explore objects with their bill and feet, learning through manipulation, play and interactions with other birds. Juveniles are especially inquisitive and may gather around unfamiliar items. Wild birds range between forest and open mountain country as food availability changes. They nest in sheltered ground cavities, where introduced mammals pose serious risks. Social calls help groups maintain contact, and playful aerial or ground activity can draw several birds together. Kea are New Zealand's only alpine parrots, displaying complex social structures within their flocks. They are highly intelligent, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and tool use in captivity. Their long lifespans, often exceeding 20 years in the wild, allow for extensive learning and cultural transmission within kea populations.

• Its orange underwings are largely hidden when it is perched.
• Kea have demonstrated sophisticated problem-solving in controlled studies.
• They nest in cavities at ground level despite being strong flyers.
• Their play calls can encourage playful behaviour in other kea.

Kea can be encountered year-round within their range. November to April usually offers easier access to mountain walking areas, although rapid weather changes remain possible. Winter observations depend on safe road conditions, and no season guarantees birds at a particular viewpoint or visitor facility. During spring and summer, kea often frequent higher elevations, including ski fields and mountain passes. Winter months can concentrate them at lower altitudes where food is more accessible, but heavy snow may restrict their movements. Peak breeding season occurs from July to January, with chicks fledging during the warmer months.

Kea occupy South Island mountain landscapes, from native forest and scrub to alpine grassland, scree and rocky basins. They sometimes descend to lower elevations, especially in western districts. Reliable habitat access usually requires an inland mountain excursion rather than observation from a coastal deck. Their core range spans beech forests and subalpine zones across the Southern Alps. While found throughout the South Island's high country, kea are particularly abundant in national parks like Fiordland and Aoraki/Mount Cook. These regions offer a mosaic of habitats crucial for their diverse foraging needs.

Their varied diet includes roots, leaves, berries, seeds, nectar and invertebrates, with carrion and occasional vertebrate prey also taken. Seasonal flexibility helps them survive harsh conditions. Human food is unsuitable and encourages dangerous associations with roads, vehicles and heavily used visitor facilities. Kea are omnivorous and opportunistic, consuming over 40 native plant species. Their strong, curved bills are perfectly adapted for digging out roots, grubs, and for prying bark off trees to access sap or insects. The kea's remarkable adaptability to find food sources in a harsh alpine environment contributes to its survival.

Common name

Kea

Scientific name

Nestor notabilis

Animal group

Birds

Size

46-50 cm long

Weight

0.7-1.1 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Endangered

Identification

The kea differs from the forest-dwelling kākā in its predominantly olive plumage, long curved bill and vivid orange underwings. Adult kea typically measure around 48 cm (19 inches) in length with a wingspan of approximately 90 cm (35 inches). Juveniles possess a yellow cere and eye-ring which darkens to gray in adults. Their powerful, dark-brown bill is distinctive, particularly the elongated upper mandible.