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As you journey through the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park towards Milford Sound, you might encounter a charismatic local: the kea. These intelligent alpine parrots, with their olive-green feathers and mischievous personalities, have become beloved icons of New Zealand's South Island.
Renowned for their playful antics and remarkable problem-solving abilities, kea never fail to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether they're curiously investigating backpacks, playfully sliding down snowy slopes, or engaging in social games, these feathered comedians add an element of joy and wonder to any Milford Sound adventure.
In this article, we'll cover what makes these unique birds so special. From amusing encounters to important conservation efforts, discover the charm and significance of New Zealand's cheekiest alpine residents.
Meet the Kea: “The Clown of the Mountains”
Kea are a sight to behold, with their olive-green plumage and flashes of orange under their wings. These hardy birds are perfectly adapted to live in rugged alpine environments, using their strong, curved beaks like ice picks to navigate snowy terrain.
Growing up to 46cm long and weighing up to 1kg, kea are about the size of a pūkeko. They're monogamous birds, forming long-term pair bonds and living up to 30 years in the wild.
Kea are endemic to the South Island, primarily inhabiting the Southern Alps, most commonly found in montane forests and subalpine and alpine zones. Smaller populations can be found in Nelson Lakes and the Kaikōura ranges.
The Curious Case of Kea Intelligence
Recent studies have shown that kea are among the world's most intelligent birds. A 2020 study by University of Auckland researchers put their problem-solving skills to the test.
The results were astounding. Kea demonstrated the ability to make statistical inferences and integrate different types of information – skills previously thought to require language.
Over a series of tests, the kea figured out that they were more likely to get a reward if they chose a particular coloured token. They also worked out that some of the rangers were biased towards certain token colours, leading to the kea favouring certain rangers.
Their performance in these tests mirrored that of human infants and chimpanzees. Their high intelligence fuels their curiosity, leading to their often humorous antics, earning them the nickname "the clown of the mountains."
Kea Diet and Foraging Behavior
Kea are opportunistic omnivores with a diverse diet. They feed on over 40 plant species, including leaves, buds, flowers, and fruit. Their protein intake comes from insects and grubs, and they occasionally scavenge animal carcasses.
This varied diet showcases the kea's adaptability and intelligence. They use their strong beaks and claws to forage, often working cooperatively to access hard-to-reach food sources.
Unique Adaptations for Alpine Life
Kea are the world’s only alpine parrot species, and they possess several adaptations that allow them to thrive in harsh alpine conditions. Their feathers have special oils that provide excellent insulation against cold and wet weather.
Their strong, curved beaks serve multiple purposes. Apart from foraging, kea use them as a 'third foot' for climbing and as an ice pick for traversing icy slopes.
Interestingly, like humans, kea can be left or right-’handed.’ This laterality helps them manipulate objects with greater dexterity, a useful skill in their complex environment.
Kea's Role in the Ecosystem
As both seed dispersers and pollinators, kea play a crucial role in New Zealand's alpine ecosystems. Their foraging habits help maintain plant diversity in these harsh environments.
Kea also serve as an indicator species. Their health and population trends can provide valuable insights into the overall health of alpine ecosystems.
By preying on certain insect species, kea also maintain the delicate balance of alpine food webs, ensuring that certain species of insect larvae don’t destroy rare native plant species. Their ecology sees them playing the role of an ecosystem “regulator,” similar to the roles wolves play in maintaining the balance of Yellowstone National Park. The kea’s role is a testament to the interconnectedness of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna.
Interesting Kea Behaviors
Kea are highly social birds, often seen in small flocks. Young kea engage in extensive play behaviour, which is crucial for their cognitive development. They've been observed sliding down snowy slopes on their backs, seemingly just for fun.
Kea also interact with various other species, often just for fun. For example, they've been known to playfully harass Himalayan tahr, an introduced species of mountain goat. Kea are known for their neophilia – a love of novelty. This trait drives their curiosity about new objects, contributing to both their intelligence and their occasional mischief.
Tales of Kea Antics
Kea Pranks
Kea intelligence often manifests in amusing ways. They are known to use each other as decoys to distract humans while other keas pinch human belongings. A kea also learned to turn on the water tap at Mount Aspiring campground, and another kea locked a mountaineer inside the toilet at Mueller Hut.
Kea at Homer Tunnel
In 2016, the NZ Transport Agency was puzzled by mysteriously moved road cones near the Homer Tunnel.
After reviewing camera footage, they discovered the culprits: a group of mischievous kea. These clever birds had been moving the cones, seemingly for their own entertainment.
A kea researcher speculated that the kea had likely observed that road cones meant traffic went slower, so they were moving the cones in a bid to stop the traffic so they could interact with humans.
In response to their cone-moving antics, DOC built a 'wild kea gym' near the Homer Tunnel in 2018. This playground, complete with ladders, bells, and fragrant herbs, aimed to distract the birds from construction equipment.
Kea and Luxe Tours
At Luxe Tours, we've had our fair share of kea encounters. We've recently replaced van rubber seals chewed by curious kea and even had one hop in the van and try to make off with a passenger's backpack.
Cultural Significance
In Māori culture, kea hold a special place. They are considered taonga (treasure), and some iwi (tribes) view kea as kaitiaki (guardians) of the mountains. Their presence is seen as a good omen, symbolising the health of the alpine environment.
Māori folklore often depicts kea as clever tricksters, mirroring the birds' real-life behavior. These stories highlight the long-standing relationship between kea and humans.
Kea in Popular Culture and Tourism
Kea have become icons of New Zealand tourism. Their cheeky antics often provide memorable moments for visitors.
In 2017, kea were voted Bird of the Year in Forest & Bird's annual contest, highlighting their popularity among New Zealanders and international audiences alike.
Local businesses often incorporate kea in their experiences, celebrating these birds as symbols of the region's wild spirit and unique biodiversity.
The Dark Side of Kea Curiosity
Despite their charm, kea haven't always been viewed favourably. While an uncommon behaviour, kea have occasionally been seen landing on the backs of sheep and biting their flesh. In the 1860s this behaviour led high-country farmers to mistakenly believe all kea were "sheep killers."
This misconception led to a bounty on kea. Tragically, over 150,000 birds were killed before they finally received full protection in 1986.
Their intelligence and curiosity, while endearing, can sometimes be their detriment. Learning they can get food and interesting items from humans has also led some to interact with the poison bait stations used for predator control.
Kea Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Despite their protected status, kea still face numerous threats. Predation by introduced mammals, the risk of interacting with bait stations, lead poisoning from old buildings, and habitat loss are significant challenges.
The Kea Conservation Trust leads efforts to protect these birds. Their work includes population monitoring, advocacy, and public education programs. At Luxe, we contribute to the Kea Conservation Trust for the protection of this beautiful bird you will likely meet on our Milford Sound tour.
Kea Etiquette: How to Interact Responsibly
While kea interactions make for great stories, it's crucial to interact with kea responsibly. Never feed kea, as they can't digest human food properly, and learning to rely on human food resources can cause them to become injured or sick.
Secure your belongings, especially if you're camping or hiking. Remember, a curious kea can easily mistake your hiking boots for a new toy!
Tips for Photographing Kea Responsibly
Kea make for fantastic photo subjects, but it's important to capture them ethically. Always maintain a respectful distance and never tease kea for photos.
Use a zoom lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the birds. If the birds come up to you (and they likely will), that’s okay, just don’t try to reach out and touch them.
Remember, the safety and well-being of the kea should always come before getting the perfect shot. Patience often rewards photographers with natural, candid moments of kea behaviour.
Kea truly embody the wild spirit of New Zealand's South Island. Their intelligence, adaptability, and mischievous nature make them a favorite among our passengers.
A trip to Milford Sound is an unforgettable adventure, where the stunning landscapes are matched only by the antics of New Zealand's cheekiest alpine residents.
As you journey to Milford Sound, keep an eye out for these feathered comedians. Just remember to admire them responsibly – and maybe keep a close eye on your belongings!