Story: Land birds – overview

Kea and kākā colours

Kea and kākā colours

Many of New Zealand’s birds lack bright colours – probably to avoid being noticed by eagles and other predatory birds. But these two parrots, the kea (a mountain parrot, left) and the kākā, have bright splashes of yellow and red under their wings.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PUBL-0134-052
Hand-coloured lithograph by John Gerrard Keulemans

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Kerry-Jayne Wilson, 'Land birds – overview - Weird and wonderful birds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/9882/kea-and-kaka-colours (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Kerry-Jayne Wilson, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 20 Apr 2015