North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli):

  • Found on the North Island of New Zealand. 
  • Stands up to 16 inches high, with females weighing around six pounds, though males are considerably smaller. 
  • Feeds on invertebrates at night found by foraging through soil with its beak, which has its nostrils at the end, unlike other birds. 
  • Males and females form permanent bonds which can last up to 20 years. Females lay 2 eggs in each clutch. Kiwis are famous for having large eggs, up to one fourth of their body weight each, and can be up to the size of six chicken eggs. Males incubate the egg. 
  • The Kiwi is one of the national symbols of New Zealand. 
  • They are currently listed as endangered by the IUCN, with major threats from predators such as dogs, cats, and stoats.