Cheeky Kea's at Arthur's Pass
August 17th 2008 09:11
The Kea is undoubtedly New Zealand's clown of the parrot world as nearly every skier and tramper in the South Island will testify. Measuring around 48cm in length (approximately the same size as a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo), the Kea is typical of the New Zealand parrots in that it does not have any bright colouration as can be seen on the Australian parrots.
The Kea (Nestor notabilis) is a species of parrot (family Psittacidae) found in forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. The Kea is one of the few alpine parrots in the world, and includes carrion in an omnivorous diet consisting mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar and insects. Now uncommon, the Kea was once killed for bounty as it preyed on livestock, especially sheep, only receiving full protection in 1986.[1]
Kea are legendary for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment.
Most people only encounter wild Kea at South Island ski areas. The Kea are attracted by the prospect of food scraps from human habitation. 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". (net sourced)
All ready for lunch before getting mobbed by the Kea's
'Ere Harry, fancy a can of V?'
Fighting over my coffee container
Still fighting
'Ha, mine'
Rumble on the roof top
'Ere where has it gone?'
The results are in and Gladware containers are Kea proof.
pics by Heath
copyright 2008
The Kea (Nestor notabilis) is a species of parrot (family Psittacidae) found in forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. The Kea is one of the few alpine parrots in the world, and includes carrion in an omnivorous diet consisting mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar and insects. Now uncommon, the Kea was once killed for bounty as it preyed on livestock, especially sheep, only receiving full protection in 1986.[1]
Kea are legendary for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment.
Most people only encounter wild Kea at South Island ski areas. The Kea are attracted by the prospect of food scraps from human habitation. 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". (net sourced)
'Ere Harry, fancy a can of V?'
Fighting over my coffee container
Still fighting
'Ha, mine'
Rumble on the roof top
'Ere where has it gone?'
The results are in and Gladware containers are Kea proof.
pics by Heath
copyright 2008
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