How do mountain parrots such as the kea find food?

The kea (Nestor notabilis) is an omnivorous parrot native to the alpine regions of New Zealand. While it is a mountain inhabitant, it frequently travels to forested valleys to obtain much of its food.12

As an omnivore, the kea has a varied diet and employs opportunistic feeding behaviors:

• Plant-based diet: Like most psittaciforms, the kea consumes plant materials, including fruits and other vegetation found in its environment.12
• Carrion and predation: The kea is notably known to feed on carrion, such as sheep carcasses. It may also attack sick, injured, or trapped sheep to reach fat deposits, particularly around the kidneys, though it rarely harms healthy animals.12
• Curiosity: These birds are highly intelligent and curious, often investigating human belongings—such as boots or other items left outside—in their search for food or out of general inquisitiveness.3

While many parrots are primarily forest-dwelling, the kea’s ability to adapt to both high-elevation forests and lower valleys allows it to thrive in its rugged alpine habitat.2