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Fun Facts About the Kiwi Bird

Raksha Kulkarni
Kiwi, a chicken-sized flightless bird, is no less than a weird wonder! These are endemic to New Zealand, portrayed as official and unofficial symbols of the country. Take the quiz to test your knowledge about this bird.
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There are 5 species – Brown Kiwi, Great Spotted Kiwi, Little Spotted Kiwi, Tokoeka, and the rarest one - Rowi.
Did You Know?
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Only 5 Little Spotted Kiwis were left, which were then rehabilitated to Kapiti Island in early 20s. Their population went from 5 to 1,200 individuals! Now they can only be found on the island and not on the mainland.
An Achievement!
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The birds come out of their burrows to feed on insects, only at night. An interesting fact is that these birds even mark their territory with their droppings.
Unusual Behaviors
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Ratites are flightless birds that include ostrich, rhea, emu, cassowary, and kiwi.
Did You Know?
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The bird has poor eyesight, even though it is nocturnal. Hence, it relies on its great sense of smell to hunt. It also has big ear openings and a fairly good sense of hearing.
A Fun Fact
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The feathers resemble fur of mammals as kiwi has evolved to suit its lifestyle on ground. Also, the feathers molt all-round the year, unlike other birds.
Did You Know?
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Its unusual beak boasts of all the characteristics. The sensory pits and the overall structure of its beak helps it to sense its prey even moving underground.
Unusual Characteristics
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Kiwi birds have powerful bones to aid them in running fast, have great sense of smell unlike any other bird, and they also have whiskers.
Did You Know?
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A female kiwi lays eggs almost 15% - 25% of her body size. In comparison, human babies take only about 5% of their mother’s body. Also, these eggs are laid in a burrow instead of nests.
An Interesting Fact
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The birds incubate their eggs for around 74 – 90 days with a lot of effort. The period is almost double than that of any bird, and closer to gestation periods of small mammals.
Long Time!
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The chicks are hatched fully-feathered and have nutritious yolk sacs attached to their bellies, which keep them full for 10 days. Hence, they don’t need to be fed. They start foraging for food after the first 10 days.
Independent Babies!