When we talk about the kiwi, we refer to a small order of birds called Paleognathus. We found five species, all with the same origin, New Zealand.
Kiwi fruits do not fly and are small, about the size of a chicken. The man of Malayo-Polynesian lineage arrived in New Zealand in the 1300s and named this little bird in Maori. It is the national symbol of the country. In this breed file on our site you will learn about the characteristics, habitat and diet of the kiwi. Keep reading!
Origin of the kiwi
As we have already mentioned, on the 1300 man landed for the first time in New Zealand, an incredible green land that surprises with the presence of geysers and areas of great natural beauty. At that time, the country was only inhabited by bats, some birds and reptiles. It was the settlers themselves who introduced the kiwi to the territory. Although in the past the population adapted perfectly to the new environment, today it is considered a threatened bird.
There are no reliable data that indicate exactly where this bird comes from. It is believed that they come from the already extinct moa. Even so, none of the information available to date is certain.
Kiwi Characteristics
The kiwifruit has the wings of a very small size, only 3 centimetersand remain almost all the time attached to your body, hence it seems to have them. On the other hand, they lack a tail and their plumage gives the appearance of hair. Although in general we speak of a brown bird, we can affirm the existence of the white kiwi , which shows white plumage.
Kiwi legs are strong and muscular, accounting for 30% of the total body mass of this small bird. That makes him a great runner, being able to overtake the human being in a race. It is about 40 centimeters in height and the weight varies depending on the sex. Unlike other species, in this case the female weighs about 2, 8 or 3 kilograms while the male hardly reaches 2.2 kilograms They camouflage themselves quite well in nature thanks to their dark plumage and usually live between 10 and 15 years.
As we have commented, within paleognathus birds we find the genus Apteryx, and in it, the 5 subspecies:
- Apteryx australis is the common kiwi.
- Apteryx mantelli is the North Island brown kiwi.
- Apteryx haastii is the greater spotted kiwi.
- Apteryx owenii is the lesser spotted kiwi.
- Apteryx rowi is the Rowi or Okarito spotted kiwi.
Kiwi Habitat
The kiwi is perfectly suited to the subtropical areas. We are talking about pine plantations, temperate forests or grasslands. It can also develop in areas of bushes, as long as they are warm.
Kiwifruit reproduction
The adorable kiwi is a species of monogamous bird that chooses a mate for life. Once together, they create their nests in underground spaces similar to the burrows of rodents or lagomorphs.
After fertilization, the female lays 2 single eggs in each laying, making between 2 and 3 clutches a year although it is the male who broods them for approximately 10 weeks.
Kiwi feeding
The young leave the nest at a week old with an extraordinary sense of smell that allows them to find food without any problem. Common foods in the kiwi diet are beetles, cockroaches,ants , other type of insects, frogs, snails and even wild berries
Kiwifruit Threats
Few kiwi chicks reach sexual maturity, in percentages we are talking about 16%. More than half die from the attacks of natural predators, to which cats and stoats are added. The habitat of the kiwi has been in decline for some time, as the deforestation of its territory has reduced its population by 86%
For this reason, since 1896 the kiwi has been legally protected,as well as the forests in which it lives, being declared parks natural. A great deal of work is required of biologists and volunteers in the recovery of this bird in New Zealand. Otherwise, it will be extinct like many other species. In addition, we must know that recovery parks have developed communities of specimens in captivity to ensure continuity, at least, outside their natural environment.
Kiwi Predators
The kiwi's survival will depend on its ability to protect itself and dodge eagles, birds y falcons For this reason, we believe that this small bird acquired nocturnal habits, one more protection strategy. The kiwi uses its beak to grab onto a branch and kick its opponents.
This is an aggressive bird that will bravely defend its life and that of its chicks. It is impossible to catch a wild kiwi without receiving deep cuts or beak attacks. Biologists highlight its protection capacity, as well as the loud sounds it emits for its small size.
