Kiwiana: KIWI BIRD
Did you know? The kiwi bird is the national icon of New Zealand. They are flightless and tail-less birds that are native to New Zealand. They are mostly nocturnal, have strong legs and the only birds to have nostrils at the end of its long bill. Although they are now considered endangered species, it is said that they can live for between 25-50 years, depending on the species.
There are five species of kiwi. The Brown Kiwi can be found on the North Island, while the Tokoeka lives in the southwest of the South Island and the Rowi inhabits the West Coast of the South Island. The Great Spotted Kiwi is found only in the northwest of the South Island, while the rare Little Spotted Kiwi exists only on offshore islands and in predator-free sanctuaries.
New Zealanders are also nicknamed as “Kiwis” since World War I.
(ref: Destination NZ, Department of Conservation NZ)
