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Status in the Wild

World Population:
5000

Range: Mountainous areas of South Island, New Zealand, from Fiordland north to Nelson and Marlborough Provinces.

Habitat:
Confined to native forest in steep side valleys principally from 600-3000m (1968-9840 ft). Also found around human settlements.

Threat Summary:
150,000 birds were shot as part of a bounty scheme, because of a few individuals found attacking sheep. Introduced mammals such as stoats, cats, and brush-tailed possums, and predation through these feral animals may be significant. Other species and pastoral farming practices may be depleting food sources.

IUCN Rating:
Vulnerable

Wild Diet:
Feeds on Podocarpus fruits, seeds and nectar; also insect larvae.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Active in early morning and late afternoon; often are heard before being seen in the treetops; engage in noisy pre-roosting acrobatics in evening. Sedentary in some districts but also seasonal wandering. Tame, playful and inquisitive. Groups of male keas will forage around campsites and car parks.

Clutch and Egg Size:
3 to 4 elliptical eggs, 45.0 x 33.0mm (1.7 x 1.3 in).

Breeding Season:
July-January

More Info Sites:
http://www.parrotsociety.org.au/articles/art_010.htm#Kea

http://www.terranature.org/parrots.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kea