Kea

PLAYFUL AND TALKING MOUNTAINEES

Have you ever heard the kea say: “KEEEAAA!” when you have been walking in the zoo? It is very possible. It is extremely talkative and has many strange sounds in store.

In fact, the kea has a special call that is most likely used to invite other keas to play. The so-called “warble” is often compared to human laughter and triggers play behavior among the kea that hear it. Keas strengthen their social bonds through play and have been observed, among other things, while sliding down cliff sides in the mountains.

The play behavior is probably closely related to the fact that kea are intelligent, curious and playful birds with unique social structures. They typically live in small groups, but often gather in larger flocks. Internal relationships are important, as kea with strong social bonds are more likely to share resources with each other. This can be a great advantage during the winter period, when food availability is low.

Kea are so-called opportunists. This means that they are very adaptable and good at finding food almost everywhere in their range on the South Island of New Zealand. This has meant, among other things, that the kea has moved closer to humans and can also be found in urban areas, where it is not shy about rummaging in garbage cans in search of food.

The keas plumage is predominantly moss green. However, on the underside of the wings and lower back, there are bright shades of yellow and red, which become particularly visible when the bird is in the air. The species is also known for its long, hooked beak. The powerful beak is an important tool when the kea eats plants, fruits, roots, seeds and insects, but also when it curiously examines – and sometimes destroys – objects in both the city and the countryside.

The keas greatest enemy is the invasive possum. The possum has come to New Zealand from Australia and poses a serious problem for the country's many endemic bird species, which otherwise have no natural enemies. The possum is particularly bad at finding the nests of keas, where it eats both eggs and chicks.

Kea chicks can be identified by their yellow colors around their eyes and beak. As long as they have this yellow coloration, they are protected in the flock and can afford to make a lot of trouble. However, the color disappears when they are about a year and a half old, and after that they have to find their place in the flock's hierarchy.