Little Spotted Kiwi
NameLittle Spotted Kiwi
Common NameLittle Spotted Kiwi
Scientific NameApteryx owenii
FamilyApterygidae
Wingspan (cm)0
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)1375
Plumage DetailsMottled grey-brown plumage with fine pale speckles, giving a grizzled or 'spotted' appearance. The feathers are hair-like and lack barbules, giving them a shaggy texture.
Vocalization / CallMales emit a high-pitched, ascending whistle, often repeated. Females have a lower, harsher, more guttural call. Calls are typically heard at night.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to New Zealand, now primarily restricted to predator-free offshore islands (e.g., Kapiti Island) and a few mainland sanctuaries, having been extirpated from most of its historical range.
Identifying Featuresflightless, long pale bill with nostrils at tip, nocturnal, shaggy, mottled grey-brown plumage, small size for a kiwi, long whiskers (vibrissae) around bill base
Description
The Little Spotted Kiwi is a small, flightless, nocturnal bird endemic to New Zealand. It possesses a long, pale bill with nostrils at the tip, which it uses to probe for invertebrates in the forest floor. Its shaggy, mottled grey-brown plumage provides excellent camouflage.
