[mkl]

There are some surprising-seeming statements one can make about kea. They are alpine parrots. They are omnivorous parrots. They like to destructively investigate things, anything they can, hiking gear, ski clothing, roofs, cars, helicopters, boats, kayaks, etc.*; if they can take something apart or pull something off, they will. We're kind of lucky they're alpine parrots, and stay away from the cities.

* https://www.keaconservation.co.nz/support-kea/kea-proofing/ Any rubber part like wiper blades or window seals is fun to tear apart, as is accessible wiring. Car rental companies have warnings like this: "Please do not leave any of our convertible hire vehicles unattended in the Arthurs Pass National Park area. Local birds called Keas will likely damage the soft top of the vehicle and this damage will not be covered by your rental insurance." https://www.touchdowncarrental.co.nz/frequently-asked-questi...

There are more-surprising statements about kakapo, relatives of kea, but not their closest. They are nocturnal parrots. They are flightless parrots. They got down to just 51 individuals (now over 200). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakapo