National Treasure

Kiwi (pronounced KEE-wee), native to New Zealand, are roughly sized to that of an American football. Flightless - they appear to be wingless as well. However, they do have vestigial wings beneath their hair-like feathers. Serving the honoured role as national symbol of New Zealand, the Kiwi gracefully captivates. Even at distance, their magnificence firmly seats them next to other nation's treasures such as the Bald Eagle.

Home Life

Of the genus Apteryx and the family Apterygidae, the Kiwi, lays the largest eggs in relation to their body. For reference, the equivalent would be a Chevy Silverado giving birth to a Ford Pinto. It is not yet known if this is a contributing factor in the Kiwi's nocturnal and almost introverted lifestyle.

Despite the apparent social anxiety they do still manage to find life long partners and live in monogamy. Peak "love" season lasts during June to March. No known correlation has been successfully made to the holiday season, but it is theorized that like the Homo sapien, general feelings of intimacy (or lack there of) play a part as the year closes. These monogamous relationships may last upwards of 20 years with equally many eggs laid. The egg growth period lasts roughly 30 days and requires the female to eat three times the normal amount. Once laid, both male and female assist in incubating the egg for up to 90 days.

Conservation and Endangered Status

Of the five different Kiwi species, several are endangered or critically endangered. While this site does not actively seek to prevent further desolation of Kiwi populations, it is our hope that simply bringing more Kiwi facts to light will spur a growing concern for their critical situation.

There are more than several Kiwi sanctuaries across New Zealand all hoping to prevent further loss of population. Several pests and predators threaten Kiwi's safety - none of which are enticed with Kiwi fruit as an alternative. Ferrets, dogs and Stoates are known to attack grown adults or chicks resulting in less than five percent of chicks reaching adulthood.

With no affiliation to Illicitkiwi.com, we encourage you to donated to the 'Kiwis for Kiwi' website:

Kiwis for Kiwi donations