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

Southern Brown Kiwi

Apteryx australis

Also known as: Tokoeka, Brown Kiwi, Common Kiwi

EndemicStatus
UncommonRarity
Image of Southern Brown Kiwi
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Species Description

The Southern brown kiwi, also known as tokoeka, is a unique flightless bird native to New Zealand's South Island and Stewart Island. About the size of a chicken, this nocturnal creature has a distinctive long, slender bill and soft, shaggy feathers that give it a charming, furry appearance.

Fun Facts

Tokoeka have nostrils at the tip of their bill - unique among birds!

1. Long, pale, slightly curved bill \- much longer than other bird species

2. Flightless with no visible wings, giving a rounded appearance

3. Shaggy, fur-like feathers in various shades of brown

Tokoeka are monogamous and fiercely territorial. They use their strong sense of smell to forage for insects and worms. Breeding occurs from July to December, with shared incubation duties. Predation by introduced mammals poses a significant threat to these unique birds.

Look for tokoeka in native forests, scrublands, and even tussock grasslands of Fiordland, Westland, and Stewart Island. These shy birds are mostly active at night, so listen for their distinctive calls after dusk. During the day, they hide in burrows or under thick vegetation. Try searching near forest edges or along walking tracks, keeping an eye out for probe marks in soft soil \- a sign of recent kiwi foraging.

Tokoeka have inhabited New Zealand for millions of years, evolving in the absence of mammalian predators. They hold great cultural significance for Māori, who consider kiwi as taonga (treasure) and sometimes use their feathers in traditional cloaks.

Physical Attributes

Height

50 cm

Size Relative to Other Birds68%

Weight

2750 g

Weight Relative to Other Birds88%

Habitat

Forest icon
Forest
Shrubland icon
Shrubland
Grassland icon
Grassland
Beaches/Dunes icon
Beaches/Dunes

Diet

Insects icon
Insects
Fruit icon
Fruit
Other_Plant_parts_Grasses icon
Other_Plant_parts_Grasses
Crustaceans icon
Crustaceans

Top Locations

Coming Soon!

Top birding locations will be available in a future update.