Read About Kiwi Bird

Kiwi Birds live only in New Zealand. They are the sole survivors of ancient birds of their time. The New Zealand dollar is also known as a kiwi. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Kiwi Bird -- Facts

1. Breed:

   Kiwis belong to the family Apterygida and the genus Apteryx.

2. Size:

   Kiwis are at most the size of a domestic chicken. They are the smallest living ratites. Kiwis weigh between 3 and 9 pounds.

3. Life Span:

   Kiwis have been known to live up to 20 years.

4. Varieties:

   There are five varieties of kiwis. More common varieties are the great spotted kiwi, little spotted kiwi, and brown kiwi, according to their physical appearance. The brown kiwi is considered an endangered species.

5. Origins:

   Kiwis are natives of New Zealand. They originated on this island nation several millions of years ago.

6. Physical Traits:

   The kiwi has coarse, bristly, hair-like feathers. Generally female kiwis are larger than males. They are without a tail and have wings about 2 inches long, which are useless for flight.

7. Temperament:

   Kiwis are a semi-nocturnal and secretive bird. They are flightless birds. Kiwis are very shy birds, with a well developed sense of smell. They are alert and sharp. With the help of their three-toed feet they can kick and slash an enemy.

8. Trainability:

   Kiwis are rare and only found in New Zealand forests; they are curious birds but they can not be trained by humans.

Kiwi Bird -- Care

1. Habitat:

   Kiwis live in New Zealand's native forests. They also live in scrub and native grasslands.

2. Food:

   Kiwis like to eat fruit and will dig in the ground in search of worms, insects and other tiny creatures. If they can find them, they also eat small crayfish, amphibians and eels. li>

   Compatibility:

   Kiwis are very possessive about the place where they stay. They will not allow other kiwis to enter their territory. They are shy and not at all social.

Kiwi Bird -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Kiwis are a very famous bird in New Zealand. They are a rare species. They live in the wild and therefore offer no benefits to humans.

2. Liabilities:

   Kiwis are harmless birds as far as humans are considered.

3. Health Issues:

   Kiwis are flightless birds, with a great sense of smell. They generally do not have any health problems.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Kiwis do not need human care at all, as they live in remote areas in the wild.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Kiwis are not pet birds hence they do not have any household needs.

Kiwi Bird -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   Kiwis live in forests and are not kept as caged birds. Given their rare bird status, they are not allowed to be sold.

2. Supplies:

   Kiwis don't need any supplies from humans. They are very well suited to their forest life. They get all their needs fulfilled there.

3. Expense:

   Kiwis are not caged birds and not saleable due to their endangered status.