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Story: Ngā manu – birds

Kea in flight

Kea in flight

The kea (mountain parrot) got its name from its screeching call, ‘keee aa’. The Waitaha people of the South Island believed it to be a kaitiaki (guardian).

About this item

Private collection
Photograph by Carl Walrond

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How to cite this page:

Kelly Keane. 'Ngā manu – birds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 25-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/nga-manu-birds/6/3