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Alpine ranges (3rd of 3)

Alpine ranges

This view across Mt Hooker and the Landsborough valley towards Aoraki/Mt Cook shows the vast alpine highlands that are home to the kea. These hardy mountain parrots nest close to the treeline. They feed in tussock herbfields up to the snowline, as well as in the bush (appearing as a dark green band on the lower slopes). Delicate-looking rock wrens live up above the forest edge – in bluffs, at the foot of rock falls, or among alpine shrubs.

About this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN36123/10
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image

How to cite this page:

Christina Troup. 'Birds of open country', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 25-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/birds-of-open-country/1/1/3