Common Kiwi / Brown Kiwi ( Apteryx australis )
Common Kiwi / Brown Kiwi - Common Kiwi / Brown Kiwi information - Common Kiwi / Brown Kiwi facts
The Common Kiwi is a small animal which is also a state symbol of New Zealand. It is an extremely tiny bird which cannot fly. It has got brownish or greyish colour. Its length is approximately 45 cm long (18 inches) whereas females are slightly bigger (up to 54 cm (22 inches)). It weighs about 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) while females weigh over 3.5 kg (7.7 lb). Its natural living place is in New Zealand, then on North and South Islands and Stewart Island.
Apteryx australis inhabits forests, woodlands and grasslands. As already said the kiwi bird cannot fly. Its wings are extremely small measuring only 5 cm (2 inches) and moreover its pectoral muscles, which are directly responsible for flying, are underdeveloped. On the other hand kiwi’s legs are rather powerful and large. It has got small eyes which is quite unique because the kiwi is a nocturnal bird. Besides its nostrils are near the tip, so it has got an exceptionally great sense of smell. This enables it to find food even when it is dark.
The common kiwi lays eggs mostly from July to February in a burrow. 1-2 eggs weigh up to 0.5 kg (1 lb) and the incubation time is about 3 months. Small birds are fully feathered and very active. They live over 10 years. The “kiwi” name is derived from the sound made the kiwi males.
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