Nestorids

Nestorids are a small family of passerine birds belonging to the order Psittaciformes, commonly known as parrots. This family is endemic to New Zealand and comprises only two living species. The most well-known member is the Kea (Nestor notabilis), a large, olive-green parrot recognized for its intelligence and playful, often mischievous, behavior. The other species is the Kaka (Nestor meridionalis), which exists in two subspecies, the North Island Kaka and the South Island Kaka, and is generally browner in coloration than the Kea.

Historically, some extinct species have also been attributed to the Nestoridae family, though their exact taxonomic placement is sometimes debated. These extinct Nestorids, such as the Norfolk kaka and the Chatham kaka, shared some characteristics with their living relatives but were distinct. The Nestorids are characterized by their strong, curved beaks, adapted for probing and manipulating food, and their generally robust build. They are omnivorous, with their diet consisting of fruits, seeds, nectar, insects, and carrion, with the Kea being particularly noted for its scavenging habits. Both living species are considered endangered, facing threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and introduced diseases. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique avian inhabitants of New Zealand.