Scientists say they’ve found the first evidence of tool use by a kea for the purpose of self-care, in a new study from the University of Auckland.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, uses observations of a disabled kea (Nestor notabilis) named Bruce, housed at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch, who has overcome his disability by using pebbles to preen himself.
Although anecdotal reports exist for self-care tool use in pet parrots, this form of tool use is rare in the wild, and this is the first time it has been observed in a kea. It is also the first scientific observation of a parrot using a pebble for self-care.