Kea Parrot in Newzealand

When we think of parrots foraging for food in the wild, we imagine them flying or walking about to feast on seeds, buds, seedlings, berries, flower blossoms, and perhaps consuming the occasional insect. What doesn’t usually come to mind is a bird supplementing its diet by feasting on mammals (unless, of course, it is a bird of prey, such as an owl, hawk or eagle). Then again, Kea parrots are unique among parrots in many ways.

Their nickname as the “naughty alpine parrot” is quite telling. The “alpine” part is in reference to the Kea’s native range of the forested and alpine region of New Zealand’s South Island, which makes the Kea the only mountain parrot. The “naughty” part references the Kea’s well-documented explorative nature, that often includes fearless encounters with people. The bird is also referred to as the “clown of the mountains,” and has become its own tourist attraction.