Feathered Portrait

[Akira]

Hugh, thanks for sharing the info on New Zealand Kea.

I know that the wild animals and even insects are ferocious in terms of their food, simply because that is the only way to survive in unforgiving and competitive environments.  That said, realizing wild behaviors of such seemingly loveable species is somewhat chilling.

[Anirban Halder]

Beautiful portrait with benchmark sharpness. Thanks for the additional story, Mongo.

[Mongo]

thank you Bent , Peter and Anirban for your comments - much appreciated.

Mongo, +1 to what everyone has said about this delightful image of this rascal.

Also +1 in respective of the destructiive nature of the Kea. 

The bird is an Alpine Parrot and it can resort to quite violent means to feed itself.  For example, it is known to alight on the backs of sheep and eat into them, e.g. into the fatty areas and the kidneys, thereby killing the sheep.  They have been known on rare occassions to attack humans that have become disabled in the bush - almost like winged Piranahas.  And yes my car in NZ has had a very large chunk of the rubber seal surrounding the rear windscreen torn out by one of these critters.  They can operate alone or in packs, which can indeed make them quite formidable.
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Big thanks Hugh for your comments and for this incredible additional information about this otherwise loveable creature. Mongo had no idea of the extent of its cunning and treachery it seems. This is one serious wolf dressed in sheeps’ clothing it seems to the unsuspecting. Akira has summed up your info very well.

[David H. Hartman]

That bird would never sit on my shoulder while I sing...

We come on the sloop John B.
My grandfather and me.
Around Nassau town we did roam...

Dave Hartman who feeds the world's finest cockatoo from the top of finger.

...Drinking all night
Got into a fight
Well I feel so broke up
I want to go home

[Mongo]

That bird would never sit on my shoulder while I sing...

We come on the sloop John B.
My grandfather and me.
Around Nassau town we do roam...

Dave Hartman who feeds the world's finest cockatoo from the top of finger.


...Drinking all night
Got into a fight
Well I feel so broke up
I want to go home

LOL David ! it sounds like you could get into a few bar fights. If so, you could use this bird like an attack dog on your enemies .......

[Woodley Willie]

Mongo make me spend much time looking at bird looking at me.
Thanks Mongo

[David H. Hartman]

I searched You Tube for Videos on the New Zealand Kea. There are a bunch of them. The are like the Cockatoo I know but they must be doing speed. The do everything 20x faster than the one I bird sit. The are more precocious than raccoons goal tending a vending machine in Yasimite valley. The are fearless. I want one for a pet but they are more vicious than a hamster. I don't have pierced ears but I fear I'd have them if one lit on my shoulder. They land on a car and start tearing up the plastic and rubber parts. They are like a base running trying to steal second base. I don't know about the goat slayer sheep slayer thing. I guess if they are starving they'd eat a horse. The have a wicket beak. I doesn't look like it's designed for crushing palm nuts or snapping off 25mm branches on a tree. It looks like it for ripping flesh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLjZS-cWzmk

They will drink your liqueur, they will drink your coffee, they will eat your car. I wonder if they can be taught to pick people pockets? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpF1HKsrA28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBdvRCkCNfo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHHIABb_qP4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XIiuu26rr0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxoCuRuHlt8


The big question is can they be taught to say, "Hi David!"

Maybe a crow would make a safer pet...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZerUbHmuY04

I hope all these videos are OK to post but these are amazing birds.

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Mongo,

Thank so much for posting this beautiful kea portrait. I'm amazed that I've never heard of this bird before. They are more precocious than sulfur crested cockatoos. They are just amazing, like other parrots on speed!

Dave

[David Paterson]

It has all been said; this is an exceptional portrait which really does lay bare the psyche of this mischievous, cheeky, entertaining, lovable but potentially troublesome bird. I have some experience of the kea and had some good laughs at its antics but, like Mongo, managed to escape with car-window rubbers intact.

[Mongo]

Woodley, Mongo thanks you for your kind comment and is very pleased you enjoyed this image and creature.

David H, thank you also for your comments and Mongo particularly loves that you have had a new and interesting experience getting to know this unusual and fascinating creature.

Dave P, thanks also for your comments about this image and for confirming it's crazy but likeable nature and the fact that Mongo did well to get away with his car and personal fur intact !