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Natural habitat of North Island Brown Kiwi
North Island Brown Kiwi, a Endemic Uncommon bird in New Zealand
Distribution map showing where North Island Brown Kiwi can be found in New Zealand
Distribution Map

North Island Brown Kiwi

Apteryx mantelli

Also known as: Brown Kiwi, Apteryx australis, Apteryx bulleri

EndemicStatus
UncommonRarity
Image of North Island Brown Kiwi
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Species Description

The North Island brown kiwi is a unique, flightless bird native to New Zealand. About the size of a chicken, this nocturnal creature has a round body, tiny wings, and a long, slender bill. Its brown, spiky feathers give it a distinctive appearance in the forests it calls home.

Fun Facts

The North Island brown kiwi lays the largest egg in relation to its body size of any bird in the world.

1. Long, pale bill curved slightly downward, with nostrils at the tip

2. Flightless bird with tiny vestigial wings and no visible tail

3. Spiky, streaked brown feathers that feel bristly to the touch

Kiwi pairs are often monogamous, producing 2-3 clutches of 1-2 eggs per year. The male incubates the eggs, which are remarkably large relative to the bird's body size. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest within a week of hatching. Predation by introduced mammals is a significant threat to kiwi populations.

Look for North Island brown kiwi in dense forests, scrublands, and even pine plantations across the northern two-thirds of the North Island. They're most active at night, so dusk and dawn offer the best chances for spotting. Focus on the forest floor and listen for rustling in the undergrowth.

Kiwi have inhabited New Zealand for millions of years, evolving in the absence of mammalian predators. They hold great cultural significance for Māori, who consider them taonga (treasure). The bird's name is onomatopoeic, derived from its call.

Physical Attributes

Height

40 cm

Size Relative to Other Birds52%

Weight

2350 g

Weight Relative to Other Birds85%

Habitat

Forest icon
Forest
Shrubland icon
Shrubland
UrbanEnvironment icon
UrbanEnvironment

Diet

Insects icon
Insects
Fruit icon
Fruit
Other_Plant_parts_Grasses icon
Other_Plant_parts_Grasses

Top Locations

Coming Soon!

Top birding locations will be available in a future update.