Kiwi is not just the name of a fruit. In fact, this is the name of the symbolic animal of New Zealand
Kiwi is not just the name of a fruit. In fact it is called theanimal symbol of New Zealand. It belongs to the genus of Apteryx birds which are known as Kiwi o to be touched.
The birds of the kiwi species are endemic to New Zealand and are its national symbol. Female specimens are larger than males, especially before laying eggs.
Let's discover many features and interesting curiosities concerning the kiwi.
Index
Kiwi, meaning of the name
The name kiwi comes from the Greek and means wingless. Actually the kiwi has really small wings, only 4 or 5 centimeters long and hidden under the feathers, with a hook at the ends. It seems that the name is also linked to the shrill cry of this animal.
Kiwi, the bird that does not fly
Since, as we understand, the kiwi's wings are very small, this bird can't fly, but on the other hand it is a good swimmer and moves without problems in the undergrowth at night thanks to its strong legs and claws.
Kiwi, the animal's verse
Apparently the verse of the kiwi is easily recognizable since it is very shrill and considered very hard to bear. Let's say that the verse of the kiwi is certainly not considered as melodious as that of a nightingale.
Listen to the here verse of the kiwi.
Photo source: Kiwi Bird
Kiwi, what do you eat?
Kiwis feed on invertebrates, therefore on larvae, insects, spiders, worms, snails, snails and so on. Sometimes they also eat fruit fallen from trees and small fish but their favorite food is represented by earthworms which they can easily identify thanks to their portentous sense of smell.
Kiwi, an endangered animal
The kiwi is unfortunately an animal at risk of extinction due to the hunting and also due to the introduction in New Zealand of theopossum, an animal that has become its predator, attacking adults and devouring eggs. To save the kiwi, this animal is now being bred in captivity.
Kiwi, it's the male that hatches the eggs!
When the female kiwi lays its eggs it amazes the observer because it is able to generate only one large egg at a time that can almost equal those of the same adult animal. But then it is the male, and not the female, to hatch the eggs.
Kiwi, the chicks are beautiful
Kiwi puppies are considered among the cutest and most graceful animals in the world. They look very soft and helpless, all to cuddle.
Check out this video that shows you a kiwi puppy struggling with food.
Brown kiwi or Australian kiwi (apteryx australis)
The brown kiwi, present in the world only in New Zealand, in particular in North part, has a sturdy and stocky body which in size resembles that of a chicken. It has tiny eyes and the nostrils are located at the ends of the beak. This is probably the only case of its kind in the bird world. Brown kiwi is also known as southern kiwi.
Photo source: Animal.ru
Spotted kiwi (apteryx owenii)
The spotted kiwi is widespread on the island of South of New Zealand. Its name is linked to the characteristics of the coat which, as you can see from the image, is not a solid color as in the case of brown kiwi but is spotted.
Photo source: Wikipedia
Kiwi and true love
Kiwi is considered an animal symbol of true love. In fact, he lives in pairs and during the mating season the male fights to conquer the female, who will remain her partner for life.
Kiwi, tailless bird
Not only does the kiwi have tiny wings, it doesn't even have a tail. Also for this reason it is an animal that cannot fly. IS more like a chicken or a hen, rather than other birds.
Kiwi, nocturnal animal
The kiwi is primarily a nocturnal animal. It is an animal that over time has adapted to living in the forest, has developed a lot of sense of smell and rather little sight, but that does not prevent him from hunting for his own food.
Kiwi, egg size
The dimensions of the kiwi eggs are amazing compared to the size of the adult animal itself because the size of an egg corresponds to about 15% of the female's body, while this percentage drops to only 2% in the case of ostriches. The kiwi egg is much larger than a chicken egg.
Photo font: TravelSort
Kiwi, a cultural symbol
Kiwis are a truly significant national symbol for New Zealand, where they are respected by every culture today. They are above all the emblem ofuniqueness of the fauna of the country and the value of yours natural inheritance.
Kiwi, the New Zealand panda
Kiwifruit in New Zealand is often used as a reminder of the importance of conservation of endangered animals, a bit like a panda. Many activist groups are committed to protecting kiwis and the areas they live in.
Kiwi, dogs are a danger
Not only opossums but dogs too have become a danger to kiwis because they hunt adult specimens. Unfortunately, kiwis risk losing their lives easily if they are bitten by a dog, even if the animal did not intend to kill them.
Kiwi, reproduction
For kiwis, the mating season goes from March to June. In this period couples are formed that remain firmly united even for more than 20 years. This is why the kiwi has become a symbol of fidelity.
Kiwi natural habitat
The kiwi's natural habitat is there rain forest but due to deforestation these animals have also had to adapt to different environments, from undergrowth to prairies, the important thing is that there is a soft and humid soil where it is easier to dig with the beak in search of food.
Kiwis, how to help them
Anyone living in New Zealand can become a volunteer to help safeguard the kiwifruit, to protect them from dangers and to participate in the sightings that are used to estimate how many specimens are left and which are the most populous areas. Here and here more information.
In short, by now you will have understood, the kiwi ... it is not just a fruit!
Read also: KIWI: FRUIT WITH A THOUSAND PROPERTIES, USES AND BENEFITS
Photo source: Lokee
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