Quick answer
Kiwis (Apteryx australis) are birds found across Oceania. New Zealand's flightless nocturnal bird with nostrils at the tip of its bill. Adults typically weigh 1.3–3.5 kg (3–8 lb), reach speeds of up to 20 km/h (12 mph), and live 25–50 years in the wild. They feed on omnivore (earthworms, insects, berries) and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. New Zealand only — native to both main islands and several offshore islands; found nowhere else on Earth.
Key takeaway
Kiwis (Apteryx australis) are birds found across Oceania. New Zealand's flightless nocturnal bird with nostrils at the tip of its bill. Adults typically weigh 1.3–3.5 kg (3–8 lb), reach speeds of up to 20 km/h (12 mph), and live 25–50 years in the wild. They feed on omnivore (earthworms, insects, berries) and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. New Zealand only — native to both main islands and several offshore islands; found nowhere else on Earth.
Kiwi overview
Kiwi (Apteryx australis) is a bird listed here as Vulnerable. Typical weight 1.3–3.5 kg (3–8 lb); lifespan around 25–50 years in the wild.
Kiwi ecology
Diet: Omnivore (earthworms, insects, berries). Habitat: Native forest, scrubland, and farmland with cover. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Kiwis and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild kiwis are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Vulnerable. See the full Kiwi profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Kiwis inhabit New Zealand only — native to both main islands and several offshore islands; found nowhere else on Earth. Their preferred habitat includes native forest, scrubland, and farmland with cover, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistenc
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult kiwis typically measure about 0.45 m in length and weigh 1.3–3.5 kg (3–8 lb). They can sprint at up to 20 km/h (12 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Kiwis are known for new zealand's flightless nocturnal bird with nostrils at the tip of its bill — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Kiwi FAQs
What are key facts about kiwis?
Kiwis (Apteryx australis) are birds found across Oceania. New Zealand's flightless nocturnal bird with nostrils at the tip of its bill. Adults typically weigh 1.3–3.5 kg (3–8 lb), reach speeds of up to 20 km/h (12 mph), and live 25–50 years in the wild. They feed on omnivore (earthworms, insects, berries) and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. New Zealand only — native to both main islands and several offshore islands; found nowhere else on Earth.
What is the scientific name of the kiwi?
Apteryx australis — used in research and conservation listings for kiwis.
What do kiwis eat?
Kiwis eat earthworms, insects and berries, with seasonal and regional variation in Native forest, scrubland, and farmland with cover.
Where do kiwis live?
They are associated with Native forest, scrubland, and farmland with cover. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of kiwis?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.