Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Superorder: Palaeognathae
Order: Struthioniformes
Family: Apterygidae
Genus: Apteryx
Species: Haasti
When most people hear the word kiwi, they think of a small furry brown fruit, not a flightless bird. The kiwi bird is the national bird of New Zealand, which is a large island off the coast of Australia. In fact, the kiwi can only be found in New Zealand. Unlike most birds, the kiwi does not fly; in fact, the feathers do not look like feathers at all, but like fur.
Because the kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand, it is a very important symbol for the country. The native Maori even use kiwi feathers to honor the most powerful people in the tribe. Unfortunately, the kiwis may go extinct. All species of kiwis are endangered, though some are in more danger than others. Thankfully, the people of New Zealand have been working very hard to protect their bird and the forests in which they live.
- There are five species of kiwis.
- Females are larger than males.
- They have long thin beaks and no tail.
- They are nocturnal.
- They live in the forest.
- They eat insects and fruits.
- Their nests are in burrows and hollow logs.
- They have nostrils on their beaks.
- They usually live between 20-30 years.
- One to two eggs are laid at a time.
- Most kiwis are a mix of brown and grey to help them camouflage into the forest floor.
- Most kiwis are about the size of a chicken.
- Kiwis have bad eyesight, but an incredible sense of smell.
- Compared to body size of the bird, the eggs they lay are huge. Most of the eggs weigh about a pound.
