The effect of colour on bait consumption of kea (Nestor notabilis): Implications for deterring birds from toxic baits

Abstract

The kea (Nestor notabilis), an endemic New Zealand parrot, is at risk of primary poisoning during 1080 possum control operations. This project aimed at providing information on bait attractiveness and hence increasing the safety of toxic baits. To achieve this a feeding trial with captive kea was conducted, which investigated their colour preferences by offering dyed cake in six different colours over six consecutive days. On average, the order of preference was yellow>red>brown>midblue>dark-blue>green with some variation between individual birds. Nevertheless, all birds encountered and consumed less green-dyed cake throughout the trial. These results are similar to previous studies on other bird species, including two natives, which suggests that there might be general colour preferences. However, due to kea’s opportunistic feeding behaviour and

inquisitive nature an additional deterrent to colour may be necessary to deter free-ranging birds from consuming any toxic bait.