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Story: Birds of mountains and open country

Kea beak brooch

Image
Kea beak brooch

This brooch was made from two kea bills by silversmith William McBride of Timaru, around 1905. At that time kea were not protected – in fact, they were killed for a bounty.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: GH006473

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Christina Troup, Birds of mountains and open country – Kea and people, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/14012/kea-beak-brooch (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Christina Troup, published 1 March 2009.