Story: Birds of mountains and open country

Young kea

Young kea

Kea are very sociable, and groups of young birds playing are a common sight. Play is important for a species that learns from experience. For the first two or three years of life, kea have a yellow eye-ring and cere (fleshy patch above the bill).

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10031120
Photograph by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Birds of mountains and open country - Kea – the mountain parrot', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14006/young-kea (accessed 14 May 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015