Kea, Bird of Paradox: The Evolution and Behavior of a New Zealand Parrot

by Judy Diamond and Alan B. Bond

Book Overview

The kea, a crow-sized parrot that lives in the rugged mountains of New Zealand, is considered by some a playful comic and by others a vicious killer. Its true character is a mystery that biologists have debated for more than a century. Judy Diamond and Alan Bond have written a comprehensive account of the kea's contradictory nature, and their conclusions cast new light on the origins of behavioral flexibility and the problem of species survival in...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520213394
• ISBN13: 9780520213395
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A noble bird

I loved this book. The Kea is a fascinating animal and the book gives you insight into not only its entertaining behavior, but also it's origin. Geology, geography, and biology all play a role. Books about nature topics are often dry, but the detail is necessary and frankly rewarding. People should learn about the environment by delving into it, getting a view of cause-and-effect, just like with politics and the economy. As the human species is facing serious problems, issues of nature and the environment will become as newsworthy as anything else. This book gets you in the proper mindset.

A great book about a fascinating parrot.

A fascinating book about a fascinating parrot. New Zealand's kea is a highly social parrot that survives through its ability to learn instead of relying on instinct. It is the world's only alpine parrot and the only parrot that preys on sheep. Based on extensive field study, this book offers an indepth look at kea society and evolution. Although it is written by scientists, it is both easy and entertaining to read. It should appeal to parrot lovers, ornithologists, and anyone interested in island evolution and ecosystems in general.