ExploreBird

Kiwi

Apteryx

Kiwi birds are unique because they cannot fly and have tiny wings. They are covered in soft, fluffy feathers and have long beaks that help them find food on the forest floor.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Kiwi has a round body covered in shaggy, brown, fur-like feathers that are quite coarse to the touch. It has strong, short legs and a remarkably long, pale ivory-coloured beak with nostrils at the very tip, making it look distinct from other birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderApterygiformesFamilyApterygidaeGenusApteryx

Kiwi

Interesting facts

Kiwi eggs are gigantic, sometimes making up a quarter of the mother's body weight!

Kiwi use their strong legs to stomp on the ground and listen for tasty worms below.

Their nostrils are unique, located at the very end of their long, sensitive beak.

They are the only birds in the world with whiskers, similar to a cat's!

Special abilities

Kiwi can smell incredibly well because their nostrils are at the end of their long beak, helping them find food in the dark.

Kiwi has powerful, strong legs that help them run surprisingly fast through the forest to escape danger.

Kiwi has unique shaggy feathers, more like fur, that help them stay warm in the cool, damp forests.

Measurements & details

Length: 35-65 cm
Wingspan: 5-10 cm
Weight: 1-5 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Top Speed: 19 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-2
Incubation: 63-92 days

Diet & Feeding

Kiwi use their amazing sense of smell to find yummy insects, worms, and fallen fruits!

Primary Foods

Earthworms
Insect larvae
Beetles
Spiders
Berries
Fungi

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Stoat

Mustela erminea

Introduced predators prey on kiwi chicks and eggs.

eaten by

Domestic Cat

Felis catus

Introduced predators often hunt young kiwi.

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

A primary food source found by probing the ground.

depends on

Silver Beech

Nothofagus menziesii

Provides critical forest habitat and food sources.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!