5. Brown Kiwi

General

North Island. South Island and Stewart Island birds are considered to be of separate subspecies. The differences, however, are not readily apparent in the field. The kiwi is nocturnal and has poor eyesight. Although it is flightless, it can run very fast. Fully protected.

Call

Male a shrill, repeated, drawn out whistle “kiwi” (pronounced keewee); female a hoarse cry. The emphasis seems to be on the second syllable.


Size: 46-56cm
Status: Threatened.
Range: Throughout North Island but rarely reported south of the Manawatu Gorge. Northern and western parts of the South Island. Stewart Island.

Habitat

Native forests, some forest remnants and scrub country.

Food

Insects and worms, often obtained by probing in the ground, and forest fruits.

Breeding

July-February. One, sometimes two, white eggs.