KEA in flight (Nestor notabilis)
The Kea’s notorious urge to explore and manipulate, combined with strong neophilia, makes this bird a pest for residents and an attraction for tourists. Called “the clown of the mountains”, it will investigate backpacks, boots or even cars, often causing damage or flying off with smaller items.
People commonly encounter wild Kea at South Island ski areas. The Kea are attracted by the prospect of food scraps. Their curiosity leads them to peck and carry away unguarded items of clothing or to pry apart rubber parts of cars—to the entertainment and annoyance of human observers. They are often described as “cheeky”. A Kea has even been reported to have made off with a Scottish man’s passport while he was visiting Fiordland National Park
- The Kea is one of the few alpine parrots in the world. Its omnivorous diet includes carrion but consists mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar, and insects.
- Now uncommon, the Kea was once killed for bounty as it preyed on livestock, especially sheep. It only received full protection in 1986.
- The Kea nests in burrows or crevices among the roots of trees. Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment
Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kea
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