About the Kea

The New Zealand kea is an endemic parrot found in the South Island's alpine environments.


Population: 1,000–5,000
Conservation status: Nationally Endangered
Found in: Alpine environments of the South Island

Kea are a protected species. They are the world's only alpine parrot, and one of the most intelligent birds.

To survive in the harsh alpine environment kea have become inquisitive and nomadic social birds - characteristics which help them to find and utilise new food sources.

Facts about Kea

Kea (Nestor notabilis) are an endemic parrot of the South Island's high country. Although they are seen in reasonable numbers throughout the South Island, the size of the wild population is unknown - but is estimated at between 1,000 and 5,000 birds.

If you are a frequent visitor to or live in an alpine environment you will know the Kea well. Raucous cries of "keeaa" often give away the presence of these highly social and inquisitive birds. However, their endearing and mischievous behaviour can cause conflict with people. Kea will often congregate around novel objects, and their strong beaks have enormous manipulative power.

Kea grow up to 50 cm long and although mostly vegetarian, also enjoy grubs and insects.

The kea is related to the forest kaka (Nestor meridionalis). It is thought to have developed its own special characteristics during the last great ice age, by using its unusual powers of curiosity in its search for food in a harsh landscape.

Nests are usually found among boulders in high altitude forest where the birds lay between two and four eggs during the breeding season from July and January.


Human development in the alpine zone has reduced the sources of natural foods available to kea and they find our fat-laden human foods 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.

Join the Kea Conservation Trust

Visit the Kea Conservation Trust website (external site) to find out how you can become a member, sponsor, volunteer or donate to help contribute to kea conservation.