North Island brown kiwi

The North Island brown kiwi is a fascinating bird native to the northern two-thirds of New Zealand's North Island. With a population of approximately 35,000, it is the most common kiwi species. One of the most remarkable features of this bird is its ability to lay the largest eggs relative to its body size.

Initially, scientists believed the North Island brown kiwi was the same species as the southern brown kiwi, referring to it as Apteryx australis. However, genetic analysis later revealed it to be a distinct species, now classified as Apteryx mantelli. In 2004, an intriguing development occurred when a genetic mutation caused some brown kiwis to have white feathers, similar to partial albinism.

These adaptable birds inhabit a variety of environments across the North Island, ranging from native forests to farmlands and even pine plantations. Their diet primarily consists of invertebrates. The North Island brown kiwi can lay multiple clutches of eggs each year, with each clutch containing two eggs. Impressively, the chicks become independent within a week of hatching.

Despite their adaptability, the North Island brown kiwi is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Predators such as dogs, cats, and stoats pose a significant threat, with an alarming 94% of chicks not surviving to breeding age in areas lacking pest control measures. However, conservation efforts have had a positive impact. In regions with active pest management, the survival rates of kiwi chicks have improved significantly.