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Observations on population, movements and food of the kea (Nestor notabilis)

  • Publication Type

    Journal Article

  • Publication Year

    1970

  • Author(s)

    C.M.H. Clarke

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    17, 2

  • Pagination

    105-114

  • Article Type

    Paper

  • DOI

    https://doi.org/10.63172/263076gfikit

Keywords

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Observations on population, movements and food of the kea (Nestor notabilis)

Notornis, 17 (2), 105-114

C.M.H. Clarke (1970)

Article Type: Paper

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Movements, numbers and foods of keas are recorded from observations from June 1964 – July 1966 at Cupola Basin, and August–September 1965 and 1966 at Mt. Robert. Of 35 keas captured (24 at Cupola Basin, 11 at Mt. Robert), only six birds resident in Cupola Basin were frequently recovered; all others were seen only occasionally, or not at all. Banded birds dispersed up to 12.5 miles from Cupola Basin. At Cupola Basin keas were seen between 2,500 and 7,000 ft. altitude, most frequently at 4,000–4,500 ft. Seasonal movements were related mainly to snow and availability of food. Forty-seven different items of food were seen being eaten. The fruits of Coprosma pseudocuneata were the commonest food taken. Voided seeds of five fruiting species germinated after being covered with soil, showing that keas disperse some alpine plants.