Kea on Avalanche Peak, Arthur's Pass New Zealand

Learn about the world’s only mountain parrot as we step into their natural habitat in the stunning Southern Alps!
The endangered kea is the world’s only alpine parrot.
Kea are endemic to the Southern Alps of New Zealand, which means they are native and found only here in the South Island of Aotearoa.
Known as the “clown of the mountains”, it’s a delight watching their comical and cheeky demeanour. The kea is one of the smartest birds in the world, with an intelligence similar to that of a 4-year-old child. They can be just as destructive too - known to unlock doors and windows, undo backpacks to steal food or pick off tramping boot laces just for fun.
Kea are named after their high pitched screeching call (“keeea”). They have different calls to communicate with each other, and are one of the few species where adults and young play just for fun.
Kea’s intelligence and curiosity are vital to their survival as they evolved to live in the harsh mountain environment. While the kea are masters of living at the snowline in the mountains, they are also at home in the forest and can live happily near sea level.
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Kea are kept warm by their brilliant olive green plumage, with touches of bright orange tucked under their wings that are revealed if you’re lucky!
Juveniles have yellow markings around their eyes, beak and nostrils, which they lose upon maturity around three to four years old. Adults are believed to live up to 30 years in the wild.
Kea are inquisitive and trusting around humans, but please NEVER feed them. They are wild, omnivorous creatures that feed on roots, leaves, nectar and insects. You can also help protect them by not leaving temptations around like brightly coloured packs and clothing.
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The scientific name of kea is nestor notabilis, meaning wise and remarkable.
Before we end, What do you call a gathering or group of these mountain clowns?
A “circus” of kea.
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Follow Keith at:
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Music credits:
Monkeys Spinning Monkeys by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Adding The Sun by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license

[@edwardxiang5500]

Such great videos

[@koshyvarghese93]

Wow this is a great video.

[@LadyExplorer]

Thanks Koshy, glad you enjoyed it :)