A cheeky sniff: Olfactory preferences in kea (Nestor notablis)
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Authors
Slack, A.
Newman, M.
Roberts, Lorne
Kemp, Caralyn
Newman, M.
Roberts, Lorne
Kemp, Caralyn
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2025-11-06
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Conference Contribution - Oral Presentation
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
New Zealand
kea (Nestor notablis)
parrots
olfaction in animals
animal grooming
sensory enrichment
animal navigation
animal psychology
kea (Nestor notablis)
parrots
olfaction in animals
animal grooming
sensory enrichment
animal navigation
animal psychology
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Slack, A., Newman, M., Roberts, L., & Kemp, C. (2025, November, 6). A cheeky sniff: Olfactory preferences in kea (Nestor notablis) [Paper presentation]. Unitec School of Environmental and Animal Sciences Research Symposium 2025, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/7235
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that avian olfaction has significant physiological, behavioural, and ecological roles. However, existing research is constrained by taxonomic bias, leaving parrot (Psittaciformes) olfaction underexplored. This oversight may negatively impact captive parrots, such as the kea (Nestor notabilis), considering their complex cognitive needs. Understanding olfaction in kea may aid in developing sensory-diverse enrichment. Our study aims to determine if kea display clear behavioural responses indicating odour preference or aversion. This study was conducted with the kea breeding pair at Auckland Zoo. Twenty odours were randomly individually presented at up to three different concentrations for thirty seconds in a pipe scent-device that the birds could sniff. Latency to approach, time spent at odour, and behavioural responses were measured. We encountered difficulties due to social conflict between the birds and a general lack of interest from the female kea, who also worked hard to prevent the male from engaging with the study, despite his interest. Consequently, we were unable to test all odours and only discuss the limited results of the male kea here. He interacted slightly more with the sweeter odours, such as perfume, almond, and lavender, compared to spices, lemon, or animal faeces. However, he did not display strong behavioural responses indicating odour preference or aversion. Notably, he did not groom himself after sniffing the odours, as seen in our expanded study with a related species, the kākā (Nestor meridionalis). This may have been due to the delivery method, as grooming with perfumes has been anecdotally observed. We plan to expand from this pilot study, as we believe this research has important implications for both captive and wild kea. Firstly, smells could be used as cost- effective enrichment, improving their welfare in captivity, and secondly, understanding olfactory likes and dislikes could have application in kea conservation efforts.
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