ZOOTRITIONAnimals StudiedPiwi's Biography

Piwi the Kiwi


Lake Park student photo

Piwi at a glance.... 

Name:

Piwi

Latin Name:

Apteryx australis

Sex:

Male

Weight:

1.77 kg/3.9 lbs

Age:

29

 

Kiwis at a Glance 

Genus name:

Apteryx

Native Habitat:

Humid forests and swamps in New Zealand

Avg. Weight:

Male: 1.6-1.8 kg/3.5 - 4.0 lbs
Female: 2-2.2 kg/4.5 - 5.0 lbs

Avg. Height:

Male: 40.6 cm/16 in
Female: 50.8 cm/20 in

 

Additional information about Kiwis

The name Kiwi is a common name given to three types of flightless bird native to New Zealand. During the 1800's the mammal-like bird almost became extinct after they were systematically killed for their feathers. Today their numbers are declining due to deforestation for logging, ranching and agricultural; and the introduction of non-native predators such as weasels, feral cats, and dogs.

Female kiwis are significantly larger than the males. This might be due to the fact that they must carry an egg that is almost one fifth their body mass. The body of the kiwi is chunky and their feet are very short. A kiwis wings are very short, only about 2 inches long, and are covered with fluffy feathers that resemble hair. The bill is very unusual for that of birds because they have narrow nostrils near the tip. Unlike most other birds, kiwis have poor eyesight. This disability is offset by their excellent hearing and sense of smell. Unlike most other birds, kiwis lack tails. Since the kiwi is nocturnal, most of its foraging is at night. The diet of the kiwi is composed of worms and other invertebrates, seeds, and berries which they locate by scent during the early morning.
 

 
 

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