Southern Brown Kiwi

The Southern brown kiwi, also known as the tokoeka or common kiwi (Apteryx australis), is a remarkable bird endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. This flightless bird, with its long and slender bill, rufous plumage with some streaking, and absence of a tail, is a nocturnal creature measuring 45 to 55 cm in length. Females are larger, weighing between 2.1 to 3.9 kg, while males tip the scales at a slightly lighter 1.6 to 2.8 kg.

Identification Tips

To identify the Southern brown kiwi, look for its distinctive rufous coloration with streaked feathers. It has no preen gland, and its feathers lack aftershafts and barbules. The bird's bill is notably long and curves downwards, and it has large vibrissae around its gape. Unlike other birds, it has no tail, only a pygostyle.

Habitat

The Southern brown kiwi favors dense temperate and sub-tropical forests, grasslands, and shrublands. It thrives in the thick underbrush of the South Island and Stewart Island, and can also be found in sand dunes on Stewart Island.

Distribution

This kiwi species is distributed across the South Island and Stewart Island. Mainland populations are concentrated in Fiordland and Westland, with the Stewart Island population being widespread and stable.

Behaviour

The Southern brown kiwi is a monogamous bird that defends its territory with vocalizations and warning calls. Territories range from 4.9 to 43 hectares. The birds roost alone in sheltered ground locations when not incubating eggs.

Song & Calls

Males emit a shrill "kee-wee" or "kee-kee," while females have a hoarser "kurr kurr" call. They vocalize in an upright position, with legs stretched and bill pointing skyward, often singing in duets.

Breeding

Kiwi pairs are monogamous and share the duty of defending their territory. They nest in burrows or under dense vegetation. Females lay 1-2 eggs, usually just one, which the male incubates for 90 days. Chicks leave the nest after a few days but may remain near their parents for up to a year.

Diet and Feeding

The Southern brown kiwi uses its keen sense of smell, more than sight or sound, to forage for invertebrates such as earthworms, beetle larvae, snails, crayfish, spiders, centipedes, orthoptera, and occasionally eels and amphibians. It has a weak gizzard and long, narrow caeca for digestion.

Conservation status

Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the Southern brown kiwi has an estimated population of 27,000 as of 1996. Predation by introduced species like dogs, ferrets, stoats, and brush-tailed possums poses significant threats to eggs, chicks, and adult kiwis. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this unique species.