The kiwi is New Zealand’s national bird. In fact, the New Zealand people are also known as kiwis.
Here are some facts about the kiwi:
1. The kiwi is a flightless bird.
2. Kiwis live in pairs and mate for life.
3. They are mostly nocturnal and live in burrows.
4. They can live for between 25 – 50 years.
5. The kiwi has nostrils at the end of their beak.
6. The kiwi has one of the largest egg-to-body ratio of any bird. They’re huge!
7. The male kiwi does most of the egg incubating.
8. There are five different species of kiwis.
9. The kiwi is vulnerable to introduced pests and numbers have declined. The populations are carefully managed to ensure the bird doesn’t become extinct.
10. It’s our national icon.
Have you seen a kiwi before?
I had no idea there were five different species of kiwi. The kiwi is such a cool looking customer and supremely adapted to its niche if it wasn’t for introduced threats.
Sophie
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They all look quite different too. I think they’re a very cool bird.
I’ve only seen them on tv but they are so cute.
I think they’re cute too. I’ve seen them in a zoo but not in the wild.
Poor kiwi trying to pass that large egg…ugh…
I know. I think “ouch” covers it!
Yay, another Kiwi post. :)
It was a great treat to see two in the wild (as opposed to Kiwi houses) last year, at Stewart Island. It’s one of the few parts of New Zealand where that’s still possible.
Lucky you! I’ve heard them in the wild, but I’ve never seen them. They were spying on me from the shadows.
Great lesson on Kiwis. I learnt new stuff about them, thanks Shelley!
Thanks for stopping by, Nas. :)
I like learning new stuff.
Oo birds totally freak me out but maybe since they don’t fly I’d be okay. It’s the flitting about that totally wigs me. That’s crazy how long they live!
Same! I’m happy looking at them, but the minute they flap around my head I’m outta there!