Kiwi (genus Apteryx) are nocturnal, terrestrial birds endemic to New Zealand, famous for their terminal‑nares bill and reduced wings. Five extant species vary in size, range and status, but all are highly sensitive to introduced predators.
Ecology & Behaviour
Feed on earthworms, beetle larvae, other invertebrates and fruits; mostly solitary or in pairs; nests in burrows, logs or cavities. Males often incubate.
Identification
Hair‑like brown mottled plumage; tiny wings, no tail; long bill with nostrils at the tip; strong legs and acute hearing.
Reproduction & Longevity
Very large eggs (15–20% of female mass) and long incubation; precocial chicks; wild lifespan 20–30+ years.
Threats & Conservation
Habitat loss/fragmentation and road mortality.
Conservation: predator control, Operation Nest Egg head‑starting, fenced sanctuaries and community dog management. This page is a genus overview; species‑level IUCN categories vary.
