Story: Ngā manu – birds

Kea in flight

The kea (mountain parrot) got its name from its screeching call, ‘keee aa’. The Waitaha people of the South Island believed it to be a kaitiaki (guardian).

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Photograph by Carl Walrond

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Sound files from Birds of New Zealand. Compact disc. © Viking Sevenseas NZ (P O Box 152, Paraparaumu), 1980. All rights reserved.

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How to cite this page:

Kelly Keane-Tuala, 'Ngā manu – birds - Birds’ names', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/natural-sounds/12178/kea-in-flight (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kelly Keane-Tuala, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015