The kiwi is an extraordinary bird recognized globally as a national symbol of New Zealand. This small, flightless avian species belongs to the genus Apteryx and is one of the world’s most unusual birds. The kiwi possesses several unique adaptations that set it apart from its feathered relatives. Its solitary nature means that its collective name is more of a linguistic curiosity than a common observation.
What is a Group of Kiwis Called?
The standard, academic term for a group of kiwis is a “flock,” as this is the default collective noun for most avian species. However, this term is rarely applied in practice. Some regional or humorous terms have been suggested by New Zealanders, such as a “crush” of kiwis, though this is not officially recognized.
Kiwis are highly solitary and fiercely territorial creatures, meaning that large, cohesive groups are almost never observed in the wild. An adult kiwi typically maintains a defined home range, which it actively defends against others using calls and scent markings. Therefore, the discussion of their collective noun remains largely theoretical.
Defining Features of the Kiwi Bird
The kiwi is the smallest living member of the ratite group of birds, which also includes the ostrich and emu. Its wings are vestigial, measuring only about two inches long, and they lack a keel on the sternum, making flight impossible. The feathers are soft and shaggy, resembling coarse hair. This unusual covering provides excellent insulation for their predominantly nocturnal lifestyle.
The kiwi is primarily nocturnal and possesses an exceptionally developed sense of smell. It is unique among birds for having its nostrils located at the very tip of its long, flexible bill. The kiwi probes the forest floor with its bill, using its specialized olfactory system to detect invertebrates and insects moving underground.
The most extraordinary feature of the kiwi is the disproportionate size of the egg it lays. The kiwi egg is one of the largest in the world relative to the size of the bird itself, often weighing up to 20% of the female’s body mass. This highlights the immense energy investment. The high yolk content provides the chick with substantial reserves, allowing it to emerge relatively well-developed and prepared for independent life.
Conservation and Habitat
The five recognized species of kiwi, such as the Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) and the Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx haastii), are endemic to New Zealand. Their natural habitat spans environments including native forests, scrubland, and high-altitude sub-alpine areas. Despite their protected status, most species face significant conservation challenges, with many classified as Vulnerable or Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The primary threat to kiwi populations stems from introduced mammalian predators brought to New Zealand following human settlement. Stoats are particularly devastating to kiwi chicks, killing up to 95% of young birds in areas without active management. Domestic dogs and ferrets also pose a significant risk to adult kiwis, which are slow-moving and unable to defend themselves effectively.
Conservation efforts focus on mitigating these predator impacts to stabilize wild populations. Programs like Operation Nest Egg involve removing eggs from the wild, incubating them, and raising the chicks in predator-free environments known as creches. Once the young kiwis reach a “stoat-proof” weight of about 1,000 to 1,200 grams, they are returned to protected areas. Intensive predator control, including trapping and bait stations, is also implemented to protect the remaining adults.