122 THE KEA. 



on this subject, came on eight Keas killing a ewe. The ewe 

 was still living, and the lamb was torn out through her 

 ribs. He succeeded in shooting all the birds." 



There seems very little doubt that in many instances the 

 birds must kill either for sport or in order to have a 

 number of dead sheep to feed on for some time, for often 

 many are killed and are left almost untouched. 



It seems as if the birds get a murderous frenzy, and 

 do a lot of damage before their thirst for slaughter is 

 satiated. 



Reckoning over the whole Kea country, I am certain that 

 5 per cent, of the flocks would well cover the annual loss 

 due to Keas. Of course, in some runs at certain times this 

 number is very much exceeded ; but, taking the evidence 

 from all sides, I think that this percentage is near the 

 mark. 



