North Island Brown Kiwi
NameNorth Island Brown Kiwi
Common NameNorth Island Brown Kiwi
Scientific NameApteryx mantelli
FamilyApterygidae
Wingspan (cm)5
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)2500
Plumage DetailsShaggy, hair-like brown feathers, often streaked with reddish-brown or greyish-brown, providing excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. The plumage lacks barbules, giving it a fur-like appearance.
Vocalization / CallMales typically emit a shrill, ascending whistle, while females produce a hoarse, guttural 'kek-kek-kek' call. Calls are primarily heard at night.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, shrubland, grassland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the North Island of New Zealand, found in fragmented populations across various regions, including Northland, Coromandel, and parts of the central North Island.
Identifying Featuresflightless, long pale bill with nostrils at tip, shaggy brown plumage, strong legs, nocturnal, cat-like whiskers (vibrissae) at base of bill
Description
The North Island Brown Kiwi is a flightless, nocturnal bird endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its shaggy, brown, hair-like feathers, strong legs, and a remarkably long, pale bill with nostrils located at the tip, which it uses for foraging.
