In a study published in Current Biology, researchers studied fights between kea parrots in Willowbank, New Zealand. Bruce won every fight he was involved in.
His winning technique was a powerful thrust with the lower part of his beak, and in 73 percent of cases he put the opponent out of action immediately.
Bruce also has priority access to food and is the only male to be groomed by other males. His success raises important questions about the animals' welfare, says the study's lead author, Alex Grabham.
“If a disabled animal can find its own solutions to succeed, well-intentioned interventions may not always improve their quality of life. Sometimes the animal is better off without help.”
