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Global Animal Guide

Kiwi vs Magpie

Quick answer

It is too close to call. The Kiwi and the Magpie are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.

This is a hypothetical, educational comparison based on typical size, strength, and natural weaponry. In the wild these animals rarely meet, and most encounters end without a fight.

Brown kiwi foraging at night on the New Zealand forest floor, showing its long bill and rounded body Power 22

Bird

Vulnerable
Kiwi
Weight 2.5 kg
Length 45 cm
Top speed 20 km/h
Strength 15/100
Deadliness 8/100
Intelligence 28/100
Lifespan 25 yr
Eurasian magpie with black-and-white plumage and iridescent wings perched on a fence Power 20

Bird

Least Concern
Magpie
Weight 230 g
Length 45 cm
Top speed 30 km/h
Strength 8/100
Deadliness 8/100
Intelligence 75/100
Lifespan 21 yr

Kiwi vs Magpie compared

Side-by-side comparison of the Kiwi and the Magpie
Attribute Kiwi Magpie
Weight 2.5 kg 230 g
Length 45 cm 45 cm
Top speed 20 km/h 30 km/h
Strength 15/100 8/100
Deadliness 8/100 8/100
Intelligence 28/100 75/100
Lifespan 25 yr 21 yr

Kiwi vs Magpie: common questions

Who would win in a fight, a Kiwi or a Magpie?

It is too close to call. The Kiwi and the Magpie are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.

Which is bigger, the Kiwi or the Magpie?

The Kiwi is heavier, weighing around 2.5 kg compared with the other's 0.23 kg.

Which is faster, the Kiwi or the Magpie?

The Magpie is faster, reaching about 30 km/h versus 20 km/h.

Which lives longer, the Kiwi or the Magpie?

The Kiwi typically lives longer, up to around 25 years compared with 21 years.

Sources & references

Size, speed, and conservation data are drawn from established zoological references. Compare full profiles for habitat, diet, and behaviour:

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review
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