Facts for Kids

The kea 🦜 is a playful and intelligent parrot native to New Zealand. These birds are well-known for their bright green feathers and stunning orange underwings! Found mostly in the mountainous regions of South Island, they love to explore. Keas are the only alpine parrots in the world, which means they thrive in cold, rugged environments. They were discovered in 1813 and have been fascinating bird watchers ever since. Keas are known for their curious personalities and love for mischief, often getting into trouble by investigating backpacks and other people's belongings.

Did you know that keas can be quite mischievous? 🎉

They love playing with objects and will often steal shiny things! Some keas have been seen unzipping backpacks and taking snacks right out of them. They are also known for their impressive problem-solving skills. In experiments, keas have shown the ability to unlock boxes to get food, proving they’re among the smartest birds! 👓

Keas can even imitate human sounds! With their lively personalities and intelligence, keas are truly unique and delightful creatures of New Zealand!

Kea are currently listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 😟

There are only about 5,000 left in the wild, making it important to take steps to protect them. Major threats include habitat loss, predation by introduced animals like cats and rats, and human activities. Conservation groups in New Zealand are working hard to educate people about protecting keas and their homes. 🛡

️ Regulations are in place to help conserve their habitats, and many volunteers help monitor their population to ensure their survival for the future!

In New Zealand, kea hold a special place in the hearts of the people. 🥰

Maori legends often mention these birds, celebrating their cleverness and playful nature. They are a symbol of freedom and adventure among the stunning New Zealand landscapes. The birds also attract many visitors, boosting eco-tourism in the area. Souvenirs featuring keas, like T-shirts and art, can be found around New Zealand. By celebrating the kea in their culture and tourism, New Zealanders hope to preserve the identity and well-being of these fascinating birds!

Kea live in the cool, mountainous areas of New Zealand, primarily on the South Island. Their favorite spots are mountain ranges like the Southern Alps, where they find steep cliffs and rocky slopes to play on. 🏔

️ These areas offer plenty of space for flying and climbing! Keas also inhabit forests and grasslands nearby, where they can find shelter and food. They are often seen in places like Fiordland National Park, known for its stunning scenery. With a population estimate of around 5,000, they are a unique and beloved part of New Zealand's wildlife.

Kea are known for their vibrant green feathers, but if you look closely, you'll discover their beautiful orange underwings! 🦜

These birds are around 48–50 cm long and can weigh about 800–1,000 grams. They have strong, curved beaks that help them tear apart tough plants and even open containers! Their legs are powerful and designed for climbing and hopping around rocky surfaces. With their sharp eyesight and impressive intelligence, keas can solve puzzles. Their playful nature and striking colors make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers!

Keas are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. 🌼

They primarily enjoy a diet rich in fruits, seeds, and flowers, but they also eat insects and even carrion (dead animals). Their favorite food is the native mountain beech tree seeds! Keas use their strong beaks to dig, tear, and pry food from trees and the ground. These clever birds are known for raiding campsites, looking for snacks left behind by humans. 🍏

Their curious nature often leads them to explore new foods, making them adventurous eaters!

Keas usually mate between August and January. The female lays around 2 to 4 eggs 🥚 in a hidden nest, often found in tree hollows or rock crevices. Both the mom and dad help take care of the nest. After 21–25 days, the eggs hatch, and the baby keas are raised by both parents until they can fly at about 3 months old! Keas can live quite a long time, with a lifespan of 20 years or more in the wild. 🦜

However, they are often more successful in protected areas where they are safe from predators and human activities.

Kea are very social birds that love to hang out in groups 👫! Typically, you'll find them in small flocks of about 10 to 30 individuals. They are excellent communicators and use a variety of sounds, including loud squawks, whistles, and chatters to talk to each other. This helps them keep in touch when playing or foraging for food. Keas also engage in playful behavior like chasing and wrestling, which strengthens their bonds with one another. 🐦

Their social nature is vital for their survival in the wild, as they watch out for each other!