Kea

Nestor notabilis

The kea (Nestor notabilis) is a large mountain parrot native to the South Island of New Zealand. Olive-green feathers hide bright orange underwings, and its long curved bill is used for prying, digging, and dismantling food items in alpine and forest-edge habitats. Kea feed on roots, fruit, seeds, insects, carrion, and human scraps when people allow access. Their habit of investigating packs, vehicles, huts, and farm equipment has made them well known in ski areas and high-country settlements.

Kea are protected wildlife, not normal private pets, though some zoos keep them under permit in large, complex aviaries. Captive care has to account for strong beaks, social intelligence, and a need for difficult foraging and problem-solving tasks; bored birds can destroy fittings quickly. Field management focuses on reducing nest predation by stoats and other introduced mammals, limiting lead exposure from old buildings, preventing vehicle strikes, and discouraging feeding by tourists. Banding, nest monitoring, and community conflict work are important because kea often live close to people.