Kea, Bird of Paradox: The Evolution and Behavior of a New Zealand Parrot 1St edition by Diamond, Judy, Bond, Alan B. (1999) Hardcover

by Judy Diamond

New Zealand, noted life scientist Jared Diamond has remarked, offers science an approximation of studying life on other planets, because the islands of New Zealand lie so distant from other landmasses that their flora and fauna are markedly unlike those of other places. Of particular interest to biologists is the kea, Nestor notabilis, a small parrot found only in the alpine beech forests of South Island, and one that has evolved in curious ways. A survivor of the great wave of extinctions that occurred when humans arrived in New Zealand a thousand years ago, the kea has long been hunted, especially by European ranchers who found it a danger to their livestock--for, as Judy Diamond and Alan Bond write, while the kea once preferred to feed on insect larvae, it shifted its dietary habits with the arrival of new food sources. This transformation, the authors suggest, speaks to the bird's adaptability and intelligence. With the change to carrion eating, the kea's population grew, although it is now again in decline. And with that change, the authors write, new characteristics emerged, so that kea groups are now male-dominated, aggressive, and hierarchically organized, unusually so for an avian species. Diamond and Bond have conducted long-scale fieldwork among keas in their native habitat, and their well-written study speaks beyond the description of one species to the benefits--and limitations--of evolutionary flexibility in general. --Gregory McNamee

Genres: Birds, Science, Biology, Evolution, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

Hardcover

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Carol Fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about my favorite animal on the planet. Entertaining from start to finish. I'm currently re-reading it!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this relatively short (150 pages) book on the New Zealand Kea parrot. It has lots of good information about a 4 year behavioral study of Keas at Arthur's Pass in the early 1990's and compares observed behavior to the closely related Kaka parrots. Short topics of Kea evolutionary history, behavior, and conservation are discussed. The writing is good and accessible to a general audience with a nice selections of entertaining drawings and a few black and white pictures. The text includes explanatory notes and an extensive set of appendixes and references in the back for more in depth study. For what this book is and when it was published (1999) the book is great, but I was left wanting more. There has been a lot more research of Keas in the last 20 years and color photographs would greatly enhance a more modern Kea book. Alison Ballance has set a high standard of books on endangered New Zealand parrots with her excellent _Kakapo: Rescued From The Brink Of Extinction_ which is both detailed in content and filled with stunning photos. If you are keen on learning more about Keas, I highly recommend this book, but it will not answer all your questions about this intriguing species.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I work with keas at the zoo, I was thrilled to find an entire book dedicated to them! It flips between narrative anecdotes (about both the birds and the unique challenges of studying them in the field) and somewhat dry presentations of facts -- both of which I enjoyed thoroughly. The illustrations are wonderful additions. Everything I learn about them makes me fall more in love with these wonderful, intelligent, playful parrots.

[Monif Chowdhury · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is so very interesting read. And it is probably the only book that has so vivid description of play types among Kea birds. I enjoyed, mesmerized and was wowed when reading this.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books I've ever read! What a treat. The kea is so mysterious and intriguing, and the authors take us on a compelling, data-rich journey into the life and times of the Kea