Kiwi is a bird from New Zealand that does not fly. Description and photo of the kiwi bird

Kiwi- This is an unusual bird that has no wings, no tail, and feathers are more associated with the fur of an animal. In appearance it is similar to an ordinary chicken, lives exclusively in New Zealand and is its unofficial emblem. The unusualness of this creature lies in the combination of the characteristics of a bird and a mammal; it belongs to an endangered species, as a result of which it is listed in the Red Book. What other ones are there? interesting facts about the kiwi bird?

1. Kiwi has the characteristics of a bird - a long beak, on which the nostrils are located not at the base, but at the end. The underdeveloped processes of the wings, under which the kiwi tries to hide its head, like an ostrich, and the feather cover, which is not typical in structure for birds, but in its habits and some characteristics it fits the definition of animals. The body temperature is 2 degrees lower than that of all birds and is 38 ° C, the presence of antennae near the beak, like cats, poor eyesight and a well-developed sense of smell and hearing, for which William Calder, a famous zoologist, nicknamed them honorary mammals.
2. There are 5 species of this unique bird, which appeared in New Zealand 30 million years ago - northern kiwi (on the North Island), common, rovi and large gray (on the South Island), small gray (on Kapiti Island).

   

3. Kiwis are nocturnal, during the day they hide in burrows well camouflaged with grass and moss, reminiscent of labyrinths and having 2 exits. They aggressively defend their territory, using strong legs (a third of their body weight) and a sharp beak as weapons. They go hunting half an hour after sunset.

   

4. Kiwis are monogamous and mate for several mating seasons or for life.. The female carries for almost 3 weeks a record-breaking egg in size among birds, which makes up a quarter of the entire body weight (about 0.5 kg), with a yolk content of up to 65%. The male incubates the offspring for almost 3 months, and then the chick takes 3 days to hatch from the shell.

   

5. Young chicks are vulnerable and 90% die in the first six months of life, grow slowly - only by the age of 5 do they reach the size of a mature individual. But they are long-livers - life expectancy reaches up to 60 years.

   

6. Due to the hidden lifestyle that these unusual birds lead, scientists did not immediately notice that the number was falling sharply, and less than 1% of the number that was 1000 years ago remained. The reason is a decrease in forest area and an increase in the number of predators imported to the island - weasels, cats, dogs. As a result, the state began a protection and restoration program - breeding kiwi in captivity and controlling the number of predators.

   

7. Bird feathers have a distinct mushroom smell, making them vulnerable to predators. Professor James Briskey from the University of Canterbury is planning to create a special deodorant for kiwi fruit to mask the smell.

   

8. Kiwi is the national symbol of the country's culture and a comic international nickname for the residents themselves. Often used in brand names and logos, and depicted on stamps and coins. The New Zealand dollar is also popularly named after the emblem of New Zealand because of the kiwi depicted on it.

   

9. The bird got its name from its nocturnal call that sounds like a ki-wee..

   

10. In the 50s The fruit, grown in New Zealand and exported to many countries, is called kiwi due to its resemblance to a bird - a shaggy, pear-shaped body.

    

11. There are special reserves and nurseries on the island where kiwis live. The largest is in the city of Otorhanga in the north. When forests are cleared, birds are moved to safe places.

    

12. This bird is not a carnivore and feeds on insects, amphibians, worms, mollusks, and berries. She plunges her long beak deep into the ground and sniffs out food.

    

13. The anatomical structure of the female provides for the functioning of two ovaries, unlike other birds. The ability to lay eggs does not appear until 3–5 years of age and can lay 100 eggs in a lifetime.

    

14. Since kiwis cannot fly, but only run fast, in their homeland there are many road signs warning drivers to be careful and attentive - this wingless bird may cross the road.

    

15. Cartoons are made about these unusual birds, and they become the heroes of various videos and stories.. At every step in New Zealand there is a reminder of this strange bird.

    

This is exactly the appearance of this unique creation.

2. This unusual bird appeared in New Zealand 30 million years ago.

3.Kiwi is another representative of non-flying birds.

4. Kiwi is a whole family of birds, which has 6 species. They all live in New Zealand.

5.Species of the family: large and small kiwi, northern and southern common kiwi, rovi, Haast kiwi.

6. On average, the body size of this bird is the same as that of an ordinary chicken. The bird's beak is equal to one third of the length of the entire body.

7. This amazing bird weighs between 1.4 and 4 kilograms. Moreover, 1/3 of the mass falls on strong and resilient paws with sharp claws.

8.The unusual nature of the kiwi lies in the combination of the characteristics of a bird and a mammal; it is an endangered species, as a result of which it is listed in the Red Book.

9. Kiwi has a lot in common with mammals, but not only: there are similarities with humans. The bird's brain is located in the cranium, like in humans.

10. Females have two ovaries, although most birds have only one.

11. The plumage of a kiwi is more like fur - such small gray-brown feathers, which, by the way, also have their own strong and pungent smell, similar to a mushroom. It is not difficult for predators to find their prey using this smell. These birds are not only brown in color - you can also meet a kiwi bird that looks like a chicken!

12.This bird got its name because of its nocturnal call that sounds like a ki-wee.

13. The most amazing thing is that this bird does not build a nest, because it simply does not need it: the kiwi lives underground. This bird digs a small hole and lives there.

14. Kiwis are nocturnal, and during the day they hide in burrows well camouflaged with grass and moss, reminiscent of labyrinths and having 2 exits.

15. Kiwis are quite shy, making them difficult to spot. They most often hide in bushes and grassy areas to escape numerous predators.

16. Kiwis can deliberately hide the entrance to their burrow. To do this, they cover it with branches and fallen leaves. Such attention to its home is not accidental, because the bird spends a long time there (until the sun sets).

17. Despite the fact that these birds are quite timid, at night they become active and even aggressive. If a stranger wanders into their territory at night, he should be very careful. Aggression can also be caused by mating season.

18. Kiwis warn the outside world about the boundaries of their territory with the help of night cries that can be heard for kilometers.

19. An important difference between the kiwi and other birds is that it molts several times a year, changing its seasonal plumage.

20. She doesn’t have a tail, so her body shape is a bit like a dome.

21. Kiwis have very small eyes, and they see poorly. Therefore, all hope lies in hearing and smell.

22. Kiwis have no tongue. And instead of a tongue, they have thin, long vibrissae (such sensitive bristles), it is they who perform the role of touch.

23. Kiwi is helped by its long beak, on which the nostrils are located not at the base, like all birds, but at the very tip. The bird also boasts large ear holes and excellent hearing, which is very helpful when searching for food.

24. Successful hunting of kiwi is possible not only due to its excellent sense of smell (the finest in the animal world), but also due to the vibris - sensitive hairs at the base of the beak.

25. Due to the hidden lifestyle that these unusual birds lead, scientists did not immediately notice that the number was falling sharply, and less than 1% of the number that was 1000 years ago remained.

26. The reason is a decrease in forest area and an increase in the number of predators imported to the island - weasels, cats, dogs.

27.As a result, the state began a protection and restoration program - breeding kiwi in captivity and controlling the number of predators.

28. There are special reserves and nurseries on the island where kiwis live. The largest is in the city of Otorhanga in the north. When forests are cleared, birds are moved to safe places.

29. There are legal norms that will not allow the domestication of birds, because they represent a small endangered species of birds.

30. The average body temperature of a kiwi is 38°C, which is 2 degrees lower than that of most birds and slightly higher than that of humans.

31. Kiwis breed from June to March. Sexual maturity of these birds occurs between 16 months and 3 years.

32. Female kiwis have a beak several centimeters longer than males.

33. Kiwis mate for a long period, sometimes for the entire period of life.

34.After three weeks of gestation, the female lays a very large egg (rarely two). Here the kiwi is an unprecedented record holder in the ratio of body weight to egg weight, which weighs approximately 1/4 of the body weight of the kiwi itself.

35. The egg is mainly incubated by the male for 75 - 85 days.

36.When the chick hatches from the egg, mom and dad leave it to live independently. To do this, the chick has a reserve of subcutaneous fat for 2-3 days, full plumage and a very great thirst for life. A small kiwi has 3-5 years to mature.

37. The statement that kiwis do not have wings is incorrect. They exist, but they are very small, about 5 centimeters in length and they are practically invisible on the bird’s body.

38. Although, the kiwi still retains the habit of sleeping and hiding its small head under its wing. This sight, of course, looks comical, but such is the nature of the bird.

39. The diet of these birds includes fruits and berries that have fallen from trees, as well as bugs, flies, larvae, earthworms, snails, slugs, small crustaceans (cyclops, daphnia), even small toads.

40. The bird searches for its “goodies” with the help of its beak, which, like a “vacuum cleaner-locator”, sniffs out prey among the grass and fallen leaves. At the same time, powerful, albeit short, paws rake leaves and soil.

41. Some scientists call kiwis "genetic remnants" due to the fact that kiwis developed poorly and were unable to migrate to different parts of the world.

42. It was initially assumed that kiwis were relatives of the extinct moa ostrich, but research has proven that kiwi DNA is closer to emu DNA.

43. Increasing the distribution area is very difficult, since kiwis are very demanding in terms of living conditions.

44. Kiwis are long-lived, they live about 50 – 60 years.

45. Choosing a kiwi bird as a pet is not the best option: the bird is not very sociable even with members of its own species.

46. ​​Local residents care about the comfort of the kiwi, and therefore road signs were installed in its habitats so that drivers would not inadvertently run into this truly outlandish creature.

47. Kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand, its image is the unofficial emblem of this country.

48. The New Zealand dollar is also popularly named after the emblem of New Zealand because of the kiwi depicted on it.

49. At every step in New Zealand there is a reminder of this strange bird. Cartoons are made about these unusual birds, and they become the heroes of various videos and stories.

50. Since kiwis cannot fly, but only run quickly, in their homeland there are many road signs warning drivers to be careful and attentive - this wingless bird may cross the road.

When we hear the word kiwi, the first thing that comes to mind is a juicy fruit. However, it is not only the fruit plant that is called this way. It turns out that the kiwi fruit got its name due to its resemblance to a bird. The kiwi is a unique New Zealand bird. The kiwi bird belongs to the genus of ratites and is endemic to New Zealand. The kiwi bird reflects the culture of this country, which is why it is often depicted on postage stamps and coins. Below you will find a description and photo of the kiwi bird, and also learn a lot of interesting and new things about it.

What does a kiwi bird look like?

What does a kiwi bird look like if the fruit is named after it? The kiwi bird looks very unusual. Looking at this creature, you won’t immediately understand - is it a bird or an animal? After all, the kiwi does not have wings or a tail, and its feathers are more like thick wool. In addition, the kiwi bird has some mammalian characteristics, for example, sensitive bristles (vibrissae) at the base of the beak.

However, the kiwi is a bird, simply flightless. The kiwi bird looks small and is no larger in size than an ordinary chicken. Females are larger than males. Kiwi has a pear-shaped body, small head and short neck. The kiwi bird weighs from 1.5 to 4 kg. The kiwi bird looks interesting. She has strong legs and a narrow long beak, at the tip of which there are nostrils. This significantly distinguishes the kiwi from other birds, in which the nostrils are located at the base of the beak. The kiwi's beak is very flexible and thin, and its length is about 12 cm for females and about 10 cm for males.

Although it seems as if this bird does not have wings, it still has them. It’s just that the wings of the kiwi bird are undeveloped and their length is only 5 cm. These are the smallest wings of all living birds, and under the thick plumage of the kiwi, they are completely invisible. The kiwi bird looks fluffy, because its body is densely covered with soft gray or brown feathers. Kiwis have short, strong legs with sharp claws. The legs of this bird from New Zealand are very strong and their weight is about 1/3 of the body weight.

The kiwi bird differs from other birds not only in appearance, but also in its behavior. Kiwi has the habit of hiding its beak under its wing when resting, which is typical for many birds. But the most unusual thing is that this creature combines the characteristics of a bird and a mammal at the same time. Kiwis have a body temperature of 38°C, which is closer to that of mammals and lower than that of other birds.

The kiwi also has a unique skeletal structure, which is why this bird was even nicknamed “an honorary mammal.” For quite a long time there was an assumption that the closest relative of the kiwi was the extinct moa bird. But recent DNA research has shown that the kiwi's closest relative is the extinct elephant bird.

Kiwis have very small eyes, so they cannot boast of acute vision and mainly rely on developed hearing and an excellent sense of smell. But kiwis are very vulnerable in modern conditions, mostly due to predators, because they can easily find kiwis by smell. The thing is that kiwi feathers have a specific and rather strong smell, reminiscent of a mushroom one. Today there are 5 species of kiwi: the common kiwi, the northern brown kiwi, the great gray kiwi, the little gray kiwi and the rovi kiwi.

Where does the kiwi bird live?

The kiwi bird is endemic to New Zealand. This means that the kiwi bird lives only in this place and nowhere else on the planet. The kiwi bird lives in different parts of New Zealand, depending on the species.

The Northern Kiwi lives on the North Island. The common kiwi, great gray kiwi and rovi inhabit the South Island. The small gray kiwi lives only on Kapiti Island. The kiwi bird lives in damp evergreen forests, because the structure of its legs allows it not to get stuck in swampy soil.

How does a bird from New Zealand live?

This bird from New Zealand is very cautious and secretive, so it is quite difficult to meet it. In addition, the kiwi bird is nocturnal. During the day, the kiwi bird lives, hiding in hollows or under tree roots, as well as in dug holes. It is curious that each species of kiwi has its own style of burrow construction. For some it is a whole labyrinth that has several exits, while for others it is a simple hole with only one exit. The most complex burrows are built by the great gray kiwi. Of course, this bird will not be able to surpass such a craftsman as the badger in the construction of burrows.

The kiwi bird lives with up to 50 shelters on its site, changing them every day. The kiwi bird begins to live in a dug hole only after a few weeks. She resorts to such a trick so that during this time grass and moss have time to grow, which will disguise the entrance to the hole. But kiwis can independently disguise the entrance to the nest using leaves and branches. During the day, kiwis only come out of their shelters in case of danger.

Although kiwis are calm during the day, they become aggressive at night. Kiwis are territorial birds that jealously defend their nesting area. The kiwi's strong legs and sharp beak are dangerous weapons, so fights between birds can be fatal. But this is rare. Only after natural death does the nesting site change its owner. Birds mark the boundaries of their territories with calls that can be heard several kilometers away at night. It is a mistake to think that kiwis are clumsy and slow birds. The kiwi bird is very mobile and during the night it walks around the entire nesting area.

Scientists suggest that about a thousand years ago, millions of kiwi inhabited the forests of New Zealand. By the early 2000s, the kiwi population had dropped to 70 thousand individuals. Kiwis were dying out at a rapid rate. Primarily due to predators and reduction in forest area. Particularly sad was the story of the introduction of ermine into New Zealand to control the number of rabbits. But the ermine began to destroy the young and eggs of native birds, including kiwi birds. Kiwis are quite hardy birds; they can survive significant environmental changes, and the kiwi bird is not very susceptible to disease.

In 1991, measures began to restore the number of kiwis, which made it possible to significantly increase the number of birds reaching adulthood. In addition, kiwis began to be bred in captivity in order to repopulate them on the islands. Control of the number of predators that pose a threat to kiwi has also begun. Today, all types of kiwi are listed in the international Red Book.

What does the kiwi bird eat?

As soon as the sun goes down, kiwis inevitably come out of their hiding places to hunt. The kiwi bird eats insects, earthworms, and shellfish. The kiwi bird also eats fallen berries and fruits.

The structure of the beak allows the kiwi to literally “sniff out” worms and insects. Kiwis find prey by raking the ground with their feet and plunging their long beak deep into it. Sometimes the kiwi bird even eats crustaceans and small amphibians.

Kiwis are monogamous birds, they often form pairs for several years, and sometimes for life. The mating season for this bird from New Zealand occurs from June to March. The female carries the egg for 3 weeks, after which she lays it in a burrow. Usually a kiwi lays one egg and only sometimes two or three. The kiwi bird can lay eggs several times a year.

A kiwi egg is quite large and weighs about 450 grams, which is approximately 1/4 of the bird's body weight. Kiwi eggs are white, often with a greenish tint. In kiwi, the percentage of yolk among bird eggs is 65%, which is quite high, because in most other birds it is 35-40%.

During the gestation period, the female eats 3 times more than usual. After all, a few days before laying, she stops eating altogether, since the kiwi egg is very large. The laid egg is incubated by the male, who leaves the nest only to feed. During these hours he is replaced by a female.

It will take approximately 75-85 days for a kiwi chick to hatch from an egg. After which the kiwi chick will climb out of the shell for several days using its beak and legs. A kiwi chick is born feathered, not down. It looks exactly like a miniature version of the adult.

The kiwi chick is not surrounded by parental care, because the parents leave it after hatching. For several days, the kiwi chick does not eat and is unable to stand on its feet. But he does not starve, because he has subcutaneous reserves of yolk. After 5 days, the kiwi chick begins to leave the nest. By the age of 2 weeks, he is already looking for food on his own.

For the first 2 months of life, the kiwi chick eats during the day, but soon switches to a nocturnal lifestyle. Young kiwis are very defenseless. About 90% of the young die in the first six months of life; in most cases, young kiwis become victims of predators. Over the course of her life, one female produces up to 100 eggs.

Kiwi bird grows slowly. Juveniles reach adult size at 4-5 years. Male kiwis become capable of reproduction at the age of 1.5 years, and females at 2-3 years. But females begin to lay eggs only at 5 years of age. This New Zealand bird is long-lived. Kiwi lives about 50-60 years.

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Squad - Kiwiformes

Family -

Genus/Species - Apteryx australis. Southern kiwi or common kiwi

Basic data:

DIMENSIONS

Length: up to 70 cm, females are larger than males.

Height: 20-55 cm.

Weight: 3-3.5 kg; females are about 20% heavier.

REPRODUCTION

Puberty: probably not earlier than 2 years.

Mating season: July-February.

Number of eggs: 1, rarely - 2.

Incubation: 42-50 days.

LIFESTYLE

Habits: kiwis (see photo of birds) stay in pairs in their area; active at night.

Food: insects, worms, fruits, sometimes amphibians and reptiles.

RELATED SPECIES

There are two more species that live only in New Zealand.

The kiwi is New Zealand's most famous bird. He leads a secretive lifestyle. During the day, the kiwi sleeps in a well-camouflaged shelter, and only comes out to feed at night. Thanks to its sensitive sense of smell and vibrissae, it can find food even in complete darkness.

REPRODUCTION

Before the start of the nesting season, kiwis chase each other with loud cries during mating fights. After mating, the female lays 1 egg (extremely rarely 2), the weight of which is about 500 g (which is equal to one quarter or one fifth of the weight of the female herself). The egg shell is very thick and white. The female lays an egg among dense vegetation, in a depression under the roots of trees. The place for it can also be a rotten tree trunk.

The male kiwi incubates the egg alone for 42-50 days. The hatched chick has eyes and already has plumage. The baby sits in the nest for the first time and does not feed at all for about six days.

KIWI AND MAN

Kiwi has always been of great importance to New Zealanders. The Maori aborigines caught it for meat, and the feathers were used as talismans.

The kiwi is depicted on the coat of arms of New Zealand, and locals jokingly call themselves "kiwis". The main reason for the decline in kiwi numbers was the animals that were brought to the islands of New Zealand by settlers. These are mainly ferrets, dogs and cats. The number of kiwis is also declining due to the uprooting of forests, which is causing a decrease in the range of these unusual birds.

LIFESTYLE

The unusual way of life of the kiwi, as well as the structure and shape of its body, could only have formed in the desert areas of the islands of New Zealand. In any other place, a bird of this size that does not fly would have no chance of survival. This small bird would be easy prey for any predator.

Before the arrival of settlers who brought domestic animals with them to the islands, New Zealand was uninhabited, and kiwi had no natural enemies. Studies of the habitats and methods of searching for food of some New Zealand birds indicate that at first there were no representatives of higher mammals on these islands, for whose predatory species the kiwi is the most attractive: it has lost the ability to fly and goes hunting at night.

The habitat of the common kiwi is the jungle and bush. On the North Island, after large areas of forest were cleared, kiwi settled in coniferous forests and fields. These birds create permanent pairs. They communicate with each other using loud screams and whistles.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The kiwi's beak is long, thin, and its nostrils open at the very top. The bird has highly developed olfactory cavities. At the base of the beak there are vibrissae - very sensitive bristles. With their help, the bird finds food and recognizes representatives of its species. Kiwi also has well-developed hearing and taste, which helps it search for food at night. Its diet includes insects, worms, berries and fruits, and sometimes small reptiles. Kiwi often searches for prey in moist soil with its long beak.

• The kiwi bird has good eyesight. On his short and widely spaced legs, he runs rather awkwardly, swaying from side to side.
• Nobody believed the travelers who described kiwi. It was only in 1813 that the skin of this bird was brought to Europe.
• Sensitive whiskers at the base of the beak help kiwis search for food even at night, in complete darkness.
• The female spends so much energy on laying eggs, and the male on hatching them, that during the nesting period these birds lose up to 75% of their weight.

CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF KIWI. DESCRIPTION

Plumage: greyish-brown, hair-like. Wings are not suitable for flight.

Eggs: In a nest dug in the ground and lined with leaves, the female lays 1, occasionally 2, white eggs weighing about 500 g. The male incubates the eggs for 42-50 days.

Vibrissae: Sensitive bristles, which are located at the base of the beak, help to find food in the dark.

Legs: short and strong, with sharp claws. With them the bird digs up food and defends itself.

Beak: long, thin with nostrils that open at the very top of the beak. The olfactory cavities are highly developed.

Daytime shelter: the entrance to it is hidden under a tree or in the bushes; the bird sleeps here until dark.

- The habitat where kiwi lives

WHERE KIWI LIVES

Kiwi lives in New Zealand. These birds are common on both New Zealand islands and Stewart Island.

PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION

The numbers of all three kiwi species are constantly declining. This occurs due to a decrease in the area of ​​their distribution. Cats, dogs and weasels also influence the number of kiwis. The kiwi bird is protected by law and is a symbol of New Zealand.

Kiwi. Video (00:02:00)

The best video with the kiwi bird. Video (00:00:54)

Last night the worst drought in 20+ years here on Purerua Peninsula was broken with a 36mm rainfall. This afternoon, one of our local kiwis came out in broad daylight. We think it had been getting hungry because the ground was too hard and dry to penetrate during the drought, but with the softer soil today, the bird came out to catch up on feeding.
Note the very unusual white head and underside. Locally, this one is named "Chalky".

Rare white kiwi. Video (00:01:01)

A rare white kiwi chick has been born - the first to be hatched in captivity. Just beautiful:)

Funny animals - kiwi chick. Video (00:02:49)

16 day old baby Kiwi feeding. Isn't this the cutest animal in the world?. What's your cutest animal?. Kiwi have already been named the cutest bird in the world.

Kiwi chick hatches at Auckland Zoo. Video (00:02:36)

Michelle Whybrow, one of our bird zookeepers, filmed our latest kiwi chick hatch - that's number two for the BNZ Operation Nest Egg season!

Kiwis live only in New Zealand, preferring damp and dense forests and bushes. Its length is about 55 cm, weight 1.5 - 4 kg. The head is small, the neck is short, and the body is shaped like a pear. Females are slightly larger than males. The legs are four-toed, strong, and low; each finger has a sharp claw.

She has no tail, wings are only 5 cm long, they are not visible at all. It is now clear that the kiwi cannot fly. But there is a long beak (its length is 90 - 120 mm), the nostrils are located at its end, and sensitive long hairs (vibrissae) grow at the base, on which in most cases it relies.

The bird has a very well developed sense of touch, poor vision, and small eyes confirm this fact. The hearing is good. The soft fluffy plumage is more reminiscent of animal fur. The color of kiwi hair-like feathers can be gray-brown or brown.

Leads a secretive lifestyle. They are shy and very cautious. During the day they hide in their shelters, these can be holes in the soil, or they can hide in the roots of trees, or low in a hollow. Each individual has its own territory, in which it sets up several “houses”, using them as needed. Each of its hiding places is perfectly camouflaged by branches and abundant vegetation, so it is almost impossible to find the bird.

They feed at dusk and at night. They run fussily across the wet ground, waddling from side to side, seeming clumsy. They catch various worms and insects with their beaks from the soft soil. The organs of smell and touch help to find food. They eat berries and fruits. The female and male talk quietly to each other: “ki-wee.” Hence the name of the bird.

The mating season begins in June and lasts until March. Many created couples last a lifetime, but there are also couples who will stay together for 2-3 years. The female lays one egg in the nest, but what a one! The weight of the white treasure is 450 grams, which, by the way, is 15% of its own weight. Very rarely, the female may lay another egg after a few days. Now the focus is on dad. It is he who will incubate future offspring for 80 days. Sometimes, for a very short time, the female will replace him so that the male can refresh himself. A chick is born, similar to its parents, only smaller in size. His body is covered with long feathers and he is weak. It sits in the nest for about a week, feeding on the remains of the yolk. During the day, the male looks after the chick, and at night he goes off to feed and forgets about it. When the baby is 7 days old, the parent leaves him altogether. The female does not take any part in the development and growth of the chick. Soon the little kiwi goes out for its first night hunt. The chick weighs about 250 grams, it is vulnerable and weak, and often becomes easy prey. The chicks grow slowly and for a long time.

Kiwis live up to 60 years.

Types of kiwi: Common kiwi