Kiwi
Kiwi Facts
| Size | 10-18 in (25-45 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 12 mph (19 km/h) |
| Weight | 2.8-7.2 lb (1.3–3.3 kg) |
| Lifespan | 8-20 years |
| Food | Earthworms, insects, millipedes |
| Predators | Martens, dogs, weasels, cats |
| Habitat | New Zealand |
| Order | Ratites |
| Family | Kiwis |
| Scientific name | Apteryx |
| Characteristics | Smallest ratite, national symbol of New Zealand |
Main Characteristics
Is it a Fruit? Kiwi – brown, small, and green inside – stop, hold on! The term kiwi can also indicate a bird. Yet, the bird is rather unfamiliar outside New Zealand. With its stubby wings, which are not longer than 2 inches (5 cm), it is not able to fly and settle in other countries.
Anatomy and Appearance
Bones
The kiwi is a bird, but has a lot in common with mammals. Normally, birds have a thin skin and hollow bones to enhance their flying skills. However, the kiwi has a leathery, thick skin, heavy bones and wings with little claws (like bats).
Body Temperature
For a bird it has a rather low body temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), compared to other birds with about 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius).
Senses and Abilities
Sense of Smell
Kiwis are mainly active at night, but they have bad eyesight. Yet, they are able to “smell” their way, which is unique in the world of birds. The nostrils of most birds are situated at the transition between the beak and the head. The nostrils of the kiwi are located at the tip of the beak.
Behavior
Hunting Strategies
The beak of the kiwi can be up to 7.8 inches (20 cm) long. It is said that the birds use their beaks to fight each other. If this were true, they would risk injuries at their nostrils. It is more likely that they use their strong legs to defend themselves. They also need their beak to gather food. They stick it into the ground in order to detect insects and larvae. If you come across little holes in the ground, which are about 6 inch (15 cm) deep, you can be quite sure: a kiwi was there!
They Can Be Aggressive
The kiwi might look rather cute, but it can be rather ill-tempered. In order to annoy it you only have to imitate its “Ke-weee, Ke-weee” sound. Then the little bird comes running to defend its territory. But watch out: You cannot escape because the kiwi is able to run faster than a human being!
Reproduction
Kiwis build little caves instead of nests. The eggs of the little kiwis are huge. They can be up to 5 inches (13 cm) long, 3 inches (8 cm) wide and reach a weight of up to 16 ounces (450 grams). The kiwis are said to hold the record for the largest egg in relation to body size. But northern storm petrels and ringed plovers lay eggs of similar size.
Fun Facts
Very Popular in New Zealand
The New Zealanders love the kiwi so much that they call themselves Kiwis and have chosen the ratite as their heraldic animal. From the “Kiwi Shoe Polish” shoe finish to kiwi stamps and the Kiwibank – there are references to the little bird practically everywhere. Out of love for the bird the New Zealanders have even named a globally familiar fruit after the kiwi.
The Kiwi Is Related To:
- Cassowary
- Emu
- Greater Rhea
- Ostrich
