Do kea nest in trees?
The kea nests in burrows or crevices among the roots of trees. Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment.
Do kea birds fly?
The kea is a large parrot with mainly olive-green feathers, deepening to a teal blue on the wingtips. Unlike them, kea can fly very well. Their name in Maori is onomatopoeic, referring to their loud, high-pitched call of ‘keee-aaa’.
How do KEAS reproduce?
Keas are polygamous. During the breeding season males may mate with up to four females. The females build a nest on the ground beneath large trees, in a rock crevice or dug in under roots. Only 27% of the kea chicks which hatch will live for longer than a year.
What is the life span of a kea?
Breeding and life expectancy In captivity some parrot species can live to 80 or older, but the oldest known age for a wild kea is 20 years.
What animal eats kea?
Stoats are the primary predators of kea, and cats are also a major threat when cat populations make incursions into kea habitat. Possums are known to prey on kea and disturb nests although they are not as severe a threat as stoats, and rats have also occasionally been observed preying on kea eggs.
How do kea keep themselves safe?
Recommended safety measures are: “Secure lid with 65mm galvanised/st/steel screws (not nails or short screws). Place metal brackets around fasteners to prevent kea tearing wood away from around it (and ingesting toxic treated timber). Place solid stainless steel grills on the ends of trap boxes and use side entrances.
Can you have a Kea as a pet?
Due to the bird’s protected status, in order to have a Kea in captivity, a stringent permit system is in place. Today, there are only 65 birds held captive by around 20 permit holders, primarily as insurance against the sudden disappearance of the species in their natural habitat of the mountainous regions.
How many eggs do Kereru lay?
one egg
Kereru lay one egg in a nest of twigs usually high in a tree. Both the male and female birds take turns sit on the nest and incubate the egg. The young chick hatches after 28-29 days.
What are the KEAS predators?
Flexible social hierarchies develop within flocks. Kea are considered highly intelligent compared to other parrots, birds and even mammals. Juveniles are tolerated by unrelated adults and this facilitates learning of complex foraging skills. Juveniles ‘play’, and the juvenile period is long compared to other parrots.
Are KEAS smart?
Although kea are not known to “talk” like some other parrots, they’re considered to be as smart as a four-year-old child and have intelligence similar to primates. They are able to solve logic puzzles and enjoy a good challenge.
