Head to head
Kakariki vs Kea
The kakariki and kea are both native New Zealand parrots, but they occupy very different habitats and face very different threats to their survival.
| Kakariki | Kea | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae | Nestor notabilis |
| Relative size | Small | Large |
| Preferred habitat | Forest, closer to the ground | Alpine mountain terrain |
| Main threat | Introduced mammalian predators | Human conflict, lead poisoning |
| Notable behaviour | Ground foraging | Famously curious, investigates human property |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Forest | Mountains |
Kakariki vs Kea: common questions
Which New Zealand parrot is more endangered, the kakariki or the kea?
The kea is more endangered, classified as Endangered due to conflict with humans and threats such as lead poisoning from human infrastructure, while the kakariki is classified as Least Concern overall, though its mainland populations are decreasing due to introduced predators.
Why does the kea come into conflict with humans?
This species is famously curious and will investigate, and sometimes damage, human property such as vehicles and equipment, a behaviour that has occasionally led to conflict with people, compounding other threats such as lead poisoning from human-built structures in its alpine habitat.
Do the kakariki and kea live in the same habitat?
No, the kakariki forages in forest habitat closer to the ground, while the kea instead lives in alpine mountain terrain well above the tree line, meaning the two native New Zealand parrots generally occupy quite different parts of the landscape.