Kea

New Zealand · parrot · mountain bird · super smart

Brilliant orange wings. Kea are mostly olive-green, but when they spread their wings, you see stunning bright orange underneath. They are about as long as a ruler, making them one of the largest parrots in the world.

Mountain and forest home. These amazing birds live only on the South Island of New Zealand, in both snowy alpine regions and thick forests. They are perfectly adapted to handle harsh, cold mountain weather.

Eats almost everything. Kea are omnivores, which means they munch on roots, leaves, berries, nectar, and insects. They even eat carrion (dead animals), making them very flexible about finding meals.

Incredibly clever birds. Kea are famous for being curious and smart, often exploring human areas and getting into trouble. Their intelligence and playful nature make them stand out among parrots.

Protected after near extinction. Sheep farmers once hunted kea because they worried the birds attacked livestock, but this wasn't really accurate. In 1986, New Zealand gave kea absolute protection under law, and now they are uncommon but safe.