A kiwi is any of the species of small flightless birds endemic to New Zealand
of the genus Apteryx (the only genus in family Apterygidae). At around the size
of a domestic chicken, kiwi are by far the smallest living ratites. Most kiwi
species are endangered. The kiwi is also a national symbol of New Zealand.
Currently there are five accepted species (one of which has four
sub-species), plus one to be formally described.
* The largest species is the Great Spotted Kiwi or Roroa, Apteryx haastii, which
stands about 45 cm (17.7 inches) high and weighs about 3.3 kg. (Males about 2.4
kg) It has grey-brown plumage with lighter bands. The female lays just one egg,
with both sexes incubating. Population is estimated to be over 20,000,
distributed through the more mountainous parts of northwest Nelson, the northern
West Coast, and the Southern Alps.
* The very small Little Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx owenii is unable to survive
predation by imported pigs, stoats and cats and is extinct on the mainland
because of these reasons. About 1350 remain on Kapiti Island and it has been
introduced to other predator-free islands and appears to be becoming established
with about 50 'Little Spots' on each island. A docile bird the size of a bantam,
it stands 25 cm (9.8 inches) high and the female weighs 1.3 kg. She lays one egg
which is incubated by the male.
* The Rowi, also known as the Okarito Brown Kiwi or Apteryx rowi, is a recently
identified species, slightly smaller, with a greyish tinge to the plumage and
sometimes white facial feathers. Females lay as many as three eggs in a season,
each one in a different nest. Male and female both incubate. Distribution of
these kiwi are limited to a small area on the west coast of the South Island of
New Zealand.
* The Tokoeka, Apteryx australis, relatively common species of kiwi known from
south and west parts of South Island that occurs at most elevations. It is
approximately the size of the Great Spotted Kiwi and is similar in appearance to
the Brown Kiwi but its plumage is lighter in colour.
o The Stewart Island Tokoeka, Apteryx australis lawryi, is a subspecies of
Tokoeka from Stewart Island.
North Island Brown Kiwi
North Island Brown Kiwi
o The Haast Tokoeka, Apteryx australis ?, is the rarest species of kiwi with
only about 300 individuals. It was identified as a distinct form in 1993. It
only occurs in a restricted area in South Island's Haast Range at an altitude of
1,500 m. This form is distinguished by a more strongly downcurved bill and more
rufous plumage.
o The Northern Fiordland Tokoeka ( Apteryx australis ?) and Southern Fiordland
Tokoeka (Apteryx australis ?) live in the remote southwest part of South Island
known as Fiordland. These sub-species of Tokoeka are relatively common and are
nearly 40 cm (16 inches) tall.
* The North Island Brown Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli or Apteryx australis before 2000
(and still in some sources), is widespread in the northern two-thirds of the
North Island and, with about 35,000 remaining, is the most common kiwi. Females
stand about 40 cm (16 inches) high and weigh about 2.8 kg, the males about 2.2
kg. The North Island Brown has demonstrated a remarkable resilience: it adapts
to a wide range of habitats, even non-native forests and some farmland. The
plumage is streaky red-brown and spiky. The female usually lays two eggs, which
are incubated by the male.
