Kiwi Bird
New Zealand's National Bird

Brown Kiwi at Allposters

Kiwis also come from the long extinct moa family, a flightless a very large animal, now only found in museums. Regardless of its gawky appearance kiwis can in reality out run humans. Their slyness and sharp three toed feet have kept them from extinction for a long time. Using its outstanding sense of smell, this bird finds worms, insects and grubs for its dinner, supplemented by berries and seeds.

Kiwi Hide at Allposters

Before the arrival of the Maori people, the kiwi didn’t have any predators. Even though the Maori treasured the feathers of the kiwi bird for their cloaks, the impact this made to the kiwi population was very insignificant.

More significant for the duration of the last century, was the impact of the Europeans, possums, and motor vehicles. Europeans captured thousands for display in museums, zoos, and private collections. As well as the clearing of forest in many areas and the introduction of brush tailed possums.

The ladder ones spread heavily with no predators and a menu that includes eggs and chicks. No wonder that the once safe national bird needs today protection. Otherwise this flightless bird remains creative source for wall decorations, printed T-shirts, jewellery, and collectible timepieces.

Motuora Recreation Reserve, an island on the Huraki Gulf situated just before Auckland, is a designated predator free sanctuary for the kiwi bird. In Northland captured kiwis are released to breed on this 80-hectar large island. When they are mature enough, to survive in the wild, they are returned to where they came from.

About sixty kiwis populate the island. Apart of these night birds walking tracks, camp sites, batches, and beaches are destination for nature lovers. As long as there is still habitat for the remaining kiwis where they stay undisturbed, the population of the kiwi birds is assured.

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