Kea
Kea - Nestor notabilis
The inquisitive, mischievous kea
The kea is undoubtedly the “character’ of NZ birds and has a reputation which extends well beyond our shores. At Rainbow Springs we currently have three kea; Jenny, Howie and Snag.
It must surely be one of the most inquisitive, mischievous, entertaining birds in the world, stories of its antics being legion. Today, kea are unique to the South Island although fossil remains indicate they were present in the North Island at one time. They are found at altitudes ranging from 2000m down to sea level.
The endemic kea is larger than its cousin the kaka (same genus), and somewhat plainer in colouration, being pretty much the same shade of green all over when not seen in flight. On the wing, however, it is much more spectacular, displaying beautiful orange-scarlet underwing coverts and axillaries. Keas can live at least 15 years. They have bee a protected species since 1985.
Home for the kea is the South Island forest ranges from Fiordland to Nelson and Malborough. More common to the west of the Southern Alps but also occuring on the east. Basically a forest dweller, they can also be found in alpine grasslands, sub-alpine scrub and open river flats. The size of the wild population is unknown - but is estimated at between 1,000 and 5,000 birds.
Kea eat leaves, buds, fruits and insects. Some will also eat carrion. They can often be seen scavenging in campsites and human settlements.
Male and female kea look alike, except male is larger and has a longer bill with a more outward curving upper mandible.
Males are generally monogamous although there are exceptions. Nest are frequently sited on the ground and may be built over a period of several years. Nests can be build with foliose lichens, old man’s beard, twigs and leaves.
Kea are seldom ready to breed before three years of age. Clutches of 2 or 3 eggs are usual with the female sitting on the eggs. The eggs hatch in about 24 days and chicks may be fed by their parents for as long as 5 months.
Keas are renowned for stealing and ripping things to pieces. They commonly take rubber blades from windscreen wipers on parked vehicles, rip vinyl roofing on cars and create havoc inside with upholstery and roof lining if they can get in. Tents and camping gear, especially sleeping bags, are another favourite.
Threats to kea
Human development in the alpine zone has reduced the sources of natural foods available to kea. No wonder they find our fat-laden human foods so inviting! However, human foods encourage kea to come into closer contact with humans, often resulting in mischievous behaviour.
Feeding young kea also discourages them from looking for and learning about natural foods, and it can make them dependent on human scraps. Kea, like many other native birds, have suffered from predation by cats, stoats, ferrets and possums. Keas are particularly vulnerable to predation because they nest in holes in the ground that are easy to find and easy to get in to.
How you can help
Help from the public is important to identify banded birds. If you see a banded bird note what it was doing (including any damage it was doing - if any) and report the band colour combination or numbers to the nearest Department of Conservation office. Do not feed kea.
By removing temptations from kea, at human haunts, like boots, packs, food, car window wipers and brightly coloured objects, you can help minimise contact with kea and help to keep this alpine character wild.