Kea

Conservation status
In serious trouble

The world's only alpine parrot took the cake, winning Bird of the Year in 2017. These cheeky creatures socialise on prominent rocky outcrops and windy saddles. These quick learners were in some trouble after targeting farms, but they have received full protection since 1986, and their reputation is improving.

Campaign Manager

Annika Werner, Kea Conservation Trust

Annika Werner, Kea Conservation Trust

Kea are making a flap about the risk that climate change poses to their fellow feathered friends. Kea say pfft to Sirocco as Spokesbird for kākāpō at declining nominations for (BOTY) Bird of the Year as they have won more than once. Kea say that Sirocco is just 'humblebragging' and ought to use their public profile for highlighting issues affecting all native wildlife, climate change being the biggest threat.

We requested the name of the kea spokesbird but this was declined. We received a statement from the kea campaign as follows. "Kea do not have a spokesbird as they are non hierarchical in structure upon reaching adulthood and believe no bird ought to be identified as speaking on their behalf."

Kea

Photo: Craig McKenzie