Kiwi (Genus Overview)

IUCN

Not evaluated

Scientific Name：Apteryx (genus)

Basic Information

Scientific classification

name：Kiwi (Genus Overview)
Scientific Name：Apteryx (genus)
Outline：Climbing birds
Family：Apterygidae Apteryx

Vital signs

length：35–65 cm
Weight：1.2–3.5 kg (females larger)
lifetime：20–30+ years (wild)

Feature

NZ endemic; nocturnal terrestrial; terminal‑nares bill; huge egg; often monogamous.

Distribution and Habitat

Forests and scrub across New Zealand; species differ in range preferences.

Appearance

Hair‑like brown plumage; tiny wings, no tail; long bill with tip‑nostrils; strong legs.

Details

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

Introduced predators (mustelids, cats, dogs, possums).
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.