by Keas have a reputation for being mischievous and destructive, earning them the moniker “Clown of the Alps.They got into fights with human settlers because of their destructive nature, which killed 150,000 keas. But Kea parrots are much more than just naughty little birds.We’ll expose you to the kea mountain parrot’s world in this guide and share their.
They have a level of reasoning that rivals that of primates and apes, great skill in using their zygodactyl feet as tools, a propensity for eating rubber, and preferred locations to see these alpine parrots.We’ll also explain why the only alpine parrot in the world, the kea, preys on sheep.But first, let’s take a quick look at the physical traits and unique features of the kea alpine parrot.
Large parrots called keas have feathers that are olive-emerald green with green edges, a hidden black, vivid orange, and feathers of yellow and black on the underside of their wings.The orange feathers are also visible in the UV spectrum, however you won’t see the dazzling visual treat until they are in flight.Additionally, royal blue keas with red or orange on the rump or tail feathers are possible.
The four toes on each foot of kea parrots are zygodactyl, meaning that two of them point forward and the other two point backward.Kea birds can move rapidly and manipulate objects thanks to their toe configuration.The long, curved beak of the kea is about 4.5–5 cm in length on average for males and 4-4.5 cm on average for females.They extract roots from the earth and dig grubs from decaying wood with their beaks.
The South Island of New Zealand’s alpine region is home to the kea parrots. On the West Coast of the South Island and in the Southern Alps, beech forests at sea level are their preferred places to lay their eggs.However, they are also present in the mountains all the way to Kaikoura in the east.The brightest feathered creatures in terms of intelligence are kea birds.
They have a sharp mind, quick learning, and a natural curiosity. They enjoy playing with and stealing items from tourists.In the event that you come across them, kindly make sure your vehicle is locked and closed, that the keys are secured, and that your bags are closed to prevent them from stealing your possessions.
As long as you don’t get too close to the kea birds or impede traffic, you are welcome to take pictures of them.However, if they’re on the roof of your car, don’t feed them or try to drive them away. Keas risk falling and breaking their delicate bones if they don’t.By adopting these safety precautions, you’re both relieving yourself of worry and assisting in their survival and growth.
