kea
LowSpecialist / Regional / Wildlife
Definition
Meaning
A large, intelligent parrot native to the alpine regions of New Zealand's South Island, known for its olive-green plumage, reddish underwings, and bold, inquisitive behaviour.
As the world's only alpine parrot, the kea is culturally significant in New Zealand, often symbolising native wildlife and ecological uniqueness. It is famous for its problem-solving intelligence, playfulness, and sometimes destructive interactions with human property like cars and buildings.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is almost exclusively used in ornithological, zoological, conservation, and New Zealand contexts. Outside New Zealand, it is largely unknown to the general public. It functions as a countable noun (a kea, the keas).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in both varieties but is predominantly encountered in texts about New Zealand wildlife.
Connotations
Neutral or positive in a wildlife context; may carry a slight negative connotation in anecdotal reports of the bird damaging property. It is a symbol of New Zealand's unique fauna.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher familiarity in the UK due to historical Commonwealth ties, but remains a specialist term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] saw/photographed/studied a kea.The kea [verb: investigated/ripped/played with] the [object].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in tourism (e.g., 'kea-spotting tours') or conservation fundraising.
Academic
Used in zoology, ecology, and conservation biology papers.
Everyday
Used by New Zealanders and visitors to the South Island; otherwise rare.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology and wildlife management for the specific species.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- kea-like intelligence
- a kea-proof bin
American English
- kea-like behaviour
- kea-proof car covers
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw a kea in the mountains.
- The kea is a green bird.
- The kea is a very clever parrot from New Zealand.
- Keas are known for damaging cars.
- Conservationists are concerned about the declining kea population due to predators.
- The kea's remarkable intelligence was demonstrated in a puzzle-solving experiment.
- The kea's proclivity for dismantling rubber seals on vehicles has made it a notorious yet fascinating subject of behavioural ecology.
- Mitigating human-kea conflict requires innovative strategies that channel the bird's innate curiosity into less destructive activities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a clever parrot in the mountains of New Zealand saying 'OKAY-A?' with a curious tilt of its head. 'Okay-A?' sounds like 'Kea'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CURIOSITY / MISCHIEF IS A KEA (e.g., 'He's as curious and mischievous as a kea').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ки́а' (a transliteration of the car brand Kia).
- There is no direct equivalent; it must be described as 'новозеландский попугай кеа'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'kia' or 'keya'.
- Using as a common noun for any parrot (e.g., 'a tropical kea').
- Incorrect pluralisation (keas is correct, not 'kea').
Practice
Quiz
The kea is native to which country?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the kea is classified as Nationally Endangered in New Zealand, with an estimated population of only 3,000-7,000 individuals, threatened by introduced predators and human activity.
Keas are famous for being the world's only alpine parrot and for their exceptional intelligence, curiosity, and playful, sometimes destructive behaviour, which includes investigating and dismantling human belongings.
No, it is illegal to capture or keep a kea as a pet in New Zealand. They are a protected native species, and their complex social and intellectual needs cannot be met in captivity outside authorised conservation facilities.
The name is Māori, originating from the distinctive, loud 'keee-aa' call of the bird.