Seasonal and diurnal attendance of Kea (Nestor notabilis) at Halpin Creek rubbish dump, Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

Abstract

The diurnal and seasonal attendance of Kea (Nestor notabilis) at Halpin Creek dump, Arthur's Pass, from April 1996 to March 1997 was investigated. Many more male (n=56) than female (n=4) Kea were banded at the dump. Resighting data suggested that certain adult male Kea habitually foraged at the dump, whereas younger male Kea probably foraged at the dump until they dispersed from the dump in their second summer. The time individual Kea spent at the dump varied considerably within and between seasons, but did not depend on the individual's age. More Kea were observed at the dump in winter than in summer and they spent more time at the dump in the winter than in summer.