Despite half a beak, Bruce is boss of the flock

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The kea (Nestor notabilis) is a species of large parrot, endemic to parts of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s about 48 cm (19 in) long and is mostly olive-green, with orange under its wings. Keas are omnivorous. The upper beak is large, narrow and curved. This information is particularly pertinent to this discussion. Since losing the top of its beak twelve years ago, Bruce the kea has resided at Willowbank Nature Reserve. Without the curved top beak in the way, Bruce has learnt to fight off adversaries using the pointed lower beak as a dagger. During a four-week study, Bruce was the dominant of the group of nine males and three females, winning 36 combative interactions. He was also preened by subordinate males, despite having learnt to preen himself using a pebble, and had the lowest stress levels of the males. To determine this, the birds’ droppings were tested for faecal glucocorticoid metabolites. I wonder if they could judge humans by this method! The kea and chimpanzee have some of the largest brains relative to body size and are largely equal in intelligence. It's interesting that despite Bruce's impediment, he is still the 'boss cocky'. Photo is free to use.