Kea Parrot – The Mischievous Genius of the Mountains High in the snow-covered Southern Alps of New Zealand lives one of the world’s most remarkable and mischievous birds — the Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis). Adorned with olive-green plumage and brilliant orange underwings, the Kea looks almost mythical when it glides across mountain ridges. But beneath that beauty lies a bold, cunning, and notoriously destructive mind. This parrot is celebrated for its intelligence and curiosity — traits that make it both a delight for researchers and a nightmare for locals. Habitat and Appearance Kea parrots are the only alpine parrots in the world, perfectly adapted to cold mountain environments. They inhabit altitudes from forest valleys to snowy peaks. Their thick feathers insulate them against freezing temperatures, while their sharp, curved beaks — powerful and dexterous — allow them to manipulate, pry, and tear through almost anything. Adult Keas measure around 48 cm (19 inches) in length, w...
Kea Parrot – The Mischievous Genius of the Mountains High in the snow-covered Southern Alps of New Zealand lives one of the world’s most remarkable and mischievous birds — the Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis). Adorned with olive-green plumage and brilliant orange underwings, the Kea looks almost mythical when it glides across mountain ridges. But beneath that beauty lies a bold, cunning, and notoriously destructive mind. This parrot is celebrated for its intelligence and curiosity — traits that make it both a delight for researchers and a nightmare for locals. Habitat and Appearance Kea parrots are the only alpine parrots in the world, perfectly adapted to cold mountain environments. They inhabit altitudes from forest valleys to snowy peaks. Their thick feathers insulate them against freezing temperatures, while their sharp, curved beaks — powerful and dexterous — allow them to manipulate, pry, and tear through almost anything. Adult Keas measure around 48 cm (19 inches) in length, w...