# Kea (*Nestor notabilis*)

> The kea (Nestor notabilis) is an olive-green alpine parrot of New Zealand's South Island, renowned for curiosity, problem-solving, and a taste for fat and carrion as well as plants. Adults weigh about 0.9 kg and are listed Endangered after persecution, lead poisoning, and introduced predators cut highland populations.

- **Category:** Bird
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Endangered
- **Range:** South Island alpine and forest zones of New Zealand.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/kea/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Aves
- **Order:** Psittaciformes
- **Family:** Strigopidae
- **Genus:** Nestor

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Nestor notabilis |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Habitat | Alpine scrub, beech forest, and mountain valleys |
| Lifespan | Around 30 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.9 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 50 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |

## Mountain genius parrot

Kea are among the world's most inquisitive birds — investigating backpacks, cars, and research puzzles. Olive plumage hides brilliant orange underwings revealed in flight. Powerful bills pry food and tear into carcasses.

## Omnivore of the Southern Alps

Diet spans roots, fruits, insects, nestling birds, and carrion; historically they even attacked sheep for fat, fuelling bounty persecution. Supplementary feeding at tourist sites can create conflict.

## South Island high country

Alpine scrub, beech forest, and mountain valleys of New Zealand's South Island only — absent from the North Island in the wild. Across its range it is tied to alpine scrub, beech forest, and mountain valleys, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Endangered after bounty years

Legal protection ended mass shooting, yet lead from ammunition and fittings, stoats, and habitat change keep kea Endangered. Lead-removal projects and stoat control are central to recovery.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why are kea so curious?

High intelligence and a sparse alpine niche favour exploring novel objects for food and social play — which brings them into contact with people.

### Do kea really attack sheep?

Historically some birds wounded sheep to feed on fat; the behaviour is uncommon today but drove nineteenth- and twentieth-century bounty killing.

### Are kea Endangered?

Yes — IUCN lists them Endangered for the kea.

### Where do kea live?

Only in South Island alpine and forest zones of New Zealand. Native range summary: South Island alpine and forest zones of New Zealand.

### Why is lead a problem for kea?

They chew soft metals; ingested lead from flashings, paint, and ammunition fragments causes fatal poisoning.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/kea/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.