Kiwi Birds

Kiwis are strange and wonderful birds from New Zealand. They cannot fly at all. Their feathers look more like soft fur. Kiwis are about the size of a chicken. They are the national bird of New Zealand.

Night Hunters

Kiwis come out at night to find food. They have a great sense of smell, which is rare for birds. Their nostrils are at the tip of their long beaks. They poke their beaks into the dirt to find worms and bugs. Kiwis cannot see very well in the dark.

Big Eggs

Kiwis lay one of the biggest eggs compared to their body size. The egg can weigh up to a quarter of the mother's weight. Father kiwis often sit on the eggs to keep them warm. Baby kiwis hatch with all their feathers. They can take care of themselves quickly.

Fun Facts

• Kiwis have tiny wings you cannot even see under their feathers.
• They have whiskers on their faces like a cat.
• Kiwi bones are heavy, unlike most birds with hollow bones.

Did You Know?

The kiwi fruit is named after the kiwi bird because they both have fuzzy brown skin.