Notes on the New Zealand Kiwis (I)

Abstract

Extract

Four species of Kiwi are recognized, one in the North Island and three in the South Island. The North Island species is referred to simply as the North Island Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli).The feathers are black about the shaft and fade into reddish brown. The “coat” of the bird is harsh to the touch. Its southern equivalent is known as the South Island Kiwi (Apteryx australis) and is slightly larger and rather greyer than the North Island bird. The feathers are soft. A little smaller than the North Island Kiwi is the Large Grey or Large Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx haasti),whilst the smallest of this group is the Little Grey or Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx oweni).