One of the 3 brown kiwis on WAnimals
Birds · Apterygiformes · Apterygidae
North Island Brown Kiwi
Apteryx mantelli
It faces a high risk of extinction in the wild over the medium term. See full glossary
A nocturnal, flightless bird and national symbol of New Zealand, with a keen sense of smell thanks to nostrils set at the very tip of its bill.
Weight
1.5 kg – 3.5 kg
Size
35 cm – 45 cm
Lifespan
30 years
Diet
Insectivore
Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.
Activity
Nocturnal
Active mainly at night.
Social structure
In pairs
Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.
Sighting difficulty
Moderate
Fun facts
- It lays one of the largest eggs relative to body size of any bird.
- It is the only bird with nostrils at the tip of its bill.
- It gives New Zealanders the nickname they are known by.
Where to watch it
Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented.
Related species
Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with North Island Brown Kiwi — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.
Great Spotted Kiwi
Apteryx haastii
Southern Brown Kiwi
Apteryx australis
Wetapunga
Deinacrida heteracantha
Bristle-thighed Curlew
Numenius tahitiensis
Common Brush-tailed Possum
Trichosurus vulpecula
Laughing Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae
How to help
The north island brown kiwi is classified as vulnerable. Organizations such as Save the Kiwi work specifically on its conservation and that of its habitat; looking into their programs is a good starting point if you want to get involved.
It's documented in 3 real protected areas — part of why protecting these places matters for its conservation.
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about north island brown kiwi.
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