Kiwi

The kiwi is a small, round bird that can’t fly and mostly comes out at night. It’s covered in soft, hair-like feathers and has a long, thin beak. Even though it’s not very big, the kiwi is one of the most special birds in the world, and a proud symbol of New Zealand.

 Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Aves

• Order: Apterygiformes

• Family: Apterygidae

• Genus: Apteryx

Common Names

• Kiwi

• Kiwi bird

• Night bird of New Zealand

• “Little digger” (due to how it searches for food)

 Geographic Distribution

Kiwis are only found in New Zealand, they live in:

• Forests

• Bushlands

• Wetlands

• Sometimes on protected islands or reserves

Image showing kiwi bird walking through New Zealand forest at night (Source: South China Morning Post)

 Physical Characteristics

• Height: 25–45 cm (10–18 inches)

• Weight: 1–3.5 kg depending on species

• Wings: Tiny and hidden under feathers (useless for flying)

• Feathers: Soft and fluffy, like fur

• Beak: Long, thin, and curved, with nostrils at the tip

• Eyesight: Poor, but they have a great sense of smell and hearing

 Types of Kiwi

There are five main species of kiwi:

1. North Island Brown Kiwi

Image showing brown kiwi birds walking on forest floor (Source: New Zealand Geographic)

• Most common type

• Found in North Island forests

• Feathers are brown and shaggy

2. Great Spotted Kiwi

Image showing  spotted kiwi with pale dots on feathers (Source: Birds of the World)

• Larger and tougher

• Lives in mountain and rocky areas

• More aggressive when defending itself

3. Little Spotted Kiwi

Image showing smallest kiwi, soft grey feathers (Source: Wikipedia)

• Smallest kiwi species

• Now only found on predator-free islands

• Very shy and quiet

4. Rowi

Image showing greyish-white kiwi with long beak (Source: The Guardian)

• Rare and endangered

• Lives only in one part of South Island

• Protected by special breeding programs

5. Tokoeka

Image showing southern forest kiwi near bushes (Source: Pinterest)

• Comes in different types (Haast, Fiordland, etc.)

• Active both day and night

• Lives in rugged forest areas

 Behavior & Diet

Kiwis are nocturnal, meaning they come out at night. They use their long beaks to dig in the ground for food.

What they eat:

• Worms

• Insects

• Small bugs

• Fruits and seeds

• Sometimes small lizards

They make snuffling sounds while walking, sniffing out food underground.

Reproduction & Baby Kiwis

• Kiwi eggs are very large, about 20% of the mother’s body size

• Usually lays one egg at a time

• The male often sits on the egg until it hatches

• The chick hatches fully feathered and can walk in a few days

• The baby kiwi grows up mostly on its own, very independent.

 Fun facts about Kiwis

• Kiwis are more closely related to elephants than chickens (strange but true)

• They have nostrils at the tip of their beak, which is rare for birds

• A kiwi’s egg is one of the biggest in the bird world compared to its body size

• Kiwis are the national bird of New Zealand

• People from New Zealand proudly call themselves “Kiwis”

Importance to Humans

Positive Roles:

• Loved as a national symbol

• Attracts tourists and wildlife supporters

• Helps teach people about endangered species

• Protected and studied by scientists

Challenges:

• Very vulnerable to dogs, cats, and other predators

• Losing homes due to forest clearing

• Low population in the wild

 Health & common issues

Common problems in Kiwis (especially in captivity or rescue):

• Stress from loud noise or rough handling

• Injuries from predators or fences

• Diseases from dirty environments

• Weakness from poor diet (need insects and natural food)

Veterinary tips:

• Keep in quiet, low-light areas

• Provide soft ground and insects to dig for

• Monitor weight, beak health, and feather condition

• Handle gently and with care

 Conservation Status

Most kiwi species are endangered or vulnerable. Their numbers have dropped due to:

• Predators like dogs, cats, and stoats

• Loss of habitat (cutting down forests)

• Low birth rate and slow growth

But thanks to rescue programs, protected areas, and conservation breeding, some kiwi populations are slowly rising.

Kiwi vs Chicken

Image showing a Kiwi bird sniffing the ground (Source: iStock)

If you want to learn more about rare birds or how to help endangered species, you can visit Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital, or call 08143397614.