Why do kiwis have long beaks

Combining both the exceptionally good sense of smell and the ability to detect minute vibrations using their beaks, kiwis are able to find creepy crawlies moving under a layer of mud.

Officially the convention to measure the beak of a bird dictates that the measurement be done from the end of the tip to the nostril. And since Kiwis have nostrils at the tip, the distance from the tip of their beaks to their nostrils is very less negligible. That distance is also, technically, according to the convention, the length of their beaks. It will leave behind highly odorous droppings to mark its area as it walks. The only other kiwis allowed in its territory are its spouse, its young and its adult children.

If another kiwi does wander into another's territory they will fight. Kiwis are omnivores. They munch on worms, grubs, bugs, berries and seeds that they find with their excellent sense of smell. Kiwis are the only birds that have nostrils on the tips of their beaks. Most birds have nostrils closer to their faces. Kiwis sometimes mate for life. Often, though, the female will find a male she likes better and leave her current spouse. Kiwis have one of the largest egg-to-body weight ratios of any bird.

On average, an egg is 15 percent of the female's body weight, according to the New Zealand Department of Conservation. It can be up to 20 percent of her body weight, though, which is comparable to a lb. The female lays one to two eggs at a time, up to three times per year. Eggs have antibacterial and antifungal properties to ward off bacteria and fungi that are common in the soggy areas of New Zealand. The male in the pair will sit on the eggs until they hatch. The incubation period of a kiwi egg is 75 to 85 days.

Unlike other birds, chicks kick their eggs open and are covered in feathers as soon as they hatch. See our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage cookies.

Five surprising kiwi facts. Here are five things you probably didn't know about kiwi. There are five species of kiwi. Brown kiwi Found in the North Island, this is one of the most common kiwi species. Little spotted kiwi The smallest of the kiwi species, the little spotted kiwi is found only on offshore islands or in mainland sanctuaries. Great spotted kiwi The largest of all the kiwi species, the great spotted kiwi is found only around the southwest of the South Island.

Rowi This is the rarest of all the kiwi species, with only one natural population of around birds. By Te Puia. Kiwis almost have more in common with mammals than birds. Kiwis also have cat-like whiskers and shaggy plumage that is more like hair than feathers. By North Island Brown Kiwi. Kiwi chicks hatch fully feathered and independent.

Kiwi chicks hatch fully-feathered and independent, which is very unusual for a bird. By Pikitia Postcards. The little spotted kiwi went from just 5 individuals to around 1, Waiorua Bay - Kapiti Island, Wellington. By Waiorua Bay - Kapiti Island. Find more wildlife adventures in New Zealand.

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