Kea (Alpine Parrot) on Mt. Aspiring, New Zealand

The kea is an alpine parrot native to New Zealand, and appears only there. They are unbelievably fearless and inquisitive, and have been known to destroy tents and rubber parts of cars. It is slightly strange to have several of these birds swoop down while one is crossing a high alpine glacier! This one was in a group of four hanging around our hut in the glacial terrain of Mt. Aspiring. They are a dull green, with orange markings on the underside of their wings.