What Are Kiwi Birds?

Annabelle F. (age 13) asked,

“What are kiwi birds?”

Thanks for your question!

Kiwis are flightless birds found in New Zealand. They are usually grayish-brown and are about the size of a chicken. A kiwi’s feathers are soft and loose, almost hairlike. While they have no tail and can’t fly, they do have tiny wings that are hidden beneath their fuzzy feathers. They have short, muscular legs that help them run quickly—up to 12 miles per hour (faster than the average human!)—if they need to escape a predator.

Kiwis are nocturnal (awake at night), but they have poor night vision. To make up for their weak eyes, they have a powerful sense of hearing and smell. A kiwi’s nostrils are at the very tip of its long bill, allowing it to sniff out a snack under piles of leaves or even underground.

Kiwi birds are definitely unique! God designed all bird kinds around 6,000 years ago with the traits they would need to survive and thrive in our fallen world.

Fun Facts

• Kiwi birds are the national bird of New Zealand.
• There are five species of kiwis in New Zealand.
• Female kiwis are usually larger than males.

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