Kea, Mountain Parrot
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Nestoridae, Genus: Nestor, Species: N. notabilis
Family: Nestoridae (New Zealand Parrots)
- Shape
- Relatively broad and slightly asymmetrical; the tip is rounded but shows significant wear. The outer vane is narrower than the inner vane.
- Size
- Estimated between 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in length. This is consistent with the secondary wing feathers of an adult parrot with a wingspan of approximately 1 meter.
- Rarity
- Rare to Uncommon. While easily found in specific tourist hotspots, they are an endangered species with a declining population.
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Description
The Kea is the world's only alpine parrot, known for its intelligence and olive-green plumage. This feather showcases the 'secret' orange flash found under the wings, which is only fully visible when the bird is in flight. Adult Keas are large, bulky parrots with long, narrow, curved upper beaks.
Colour & Pattern
Distinctive dual-toned coloration. The upper (dorsal) surface is a dark, olive-bronze to brownish-green that appears almost charcoal in certain lighting, while the underside (visible here) flashes a vivid burnt orange or coppery-red, which is a signature field mark of the Kea.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs along the mid and upper shaft, transitioning to more plumulaceous (fluffy) structures near the superior umbilicus at the base of the quill.
Texture & Surface
The surface is matte with a slightly oily, waterproof texture. The vanes are stiff to withstand high-altitude winds, while the base has a soft, downy texture for insulation.
Key Features
Distinctive burnt-orange ventral coloration, olive-brown dorsal side, stiff pennaceous structure, and an elongated, slightly curved shape characteristic of parrot remiges.
Habitat
Alpine and sub-alpine zones, including beech forests, high-altitude meadows, and rocky outcrops of New Zealand's South Island.
Geographic Range
Endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. They are typically found from the Marlborough Sounds down to Fiordland, primarily in mountainous terrain.
Ecological Role
As an omnivorous scavenger and opportunistic feeder, they play a role in seed dispersal and the removal of carrion. They are high-level indicators of alpine ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) feathers are similar but usually darker with more crimson-red rather than coppery-orange, and the bird is generally found in lower-elevation forests.
Interesting Facts
Keas are famous for their curiosity and intelligence, often called the 'clown of the mountains.' They are known to use tools and have a reputation for dismantling cars by pulling off rubber window seals and wiper blades.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is noticeable notched wear at the tip and along the margins, likely due to mechanical abrasion from rocky environments ('mountain wear') or preening.