Okarito Brown Kiwi

1. Long, pale curved bill \- about a third of their body length

2. Soft, shaggy feathers that look more like fur

3. Nocturnal behaviour \- more likely to be heard than seen

Rowi form monogamous pairs and share incubation duties of their single, enormous egg \- weighing up to 20% of the female's body weight\! They face threats from introduced predators like stoats. Conservation efforts, including predator control and breeding programs, are crucial for their survival.

Look for Rowi in the Okarito forest on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. These shy birds are active at night, so dusk and dawn offer the best chances for a sighting. Focus your search on the forest floor, listening for rustling in the undergrowth. They prefer dense, native bush with plenty of leaf litter. For the best chance of spotting one, join a guided night tour in their habitat.

Rowi are ancient birds, unique to New Zealand. Once widespread across the country, they're now confined to a small area. As a taonga (treasure) species, they hold great cultural significance for Māori, symbolising the connection between people and the natural world.