Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Kiwi

Scientific name: Apteryx


Kiwi

IUCN Status: Endangered

Family: APTERYGIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Shy

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.06-31.08

Gestation: 75 à 85 jours

Births: 01.09-31.12


Habitat:
Tropical forests, dense forests, and woodlands of New Zealand

Description:
The Kiwi is a bird endemic to New Zealand, famous for its brown, fluffy plumage, small size, and long straight bill. It measures about 40 to 50 cm in height, with a wingspan of 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 1 and 4 kg depending on the species. The Kiwi is one of the most distinctive birds in the world due to its unique appearance: it has small wings that do not allow it to fly, a long delicate nose, and short legs adapted for its terrestrial life. It primarily inhabits the forests, woods, and grasslands of New Zealand, where it feeds on earthworms, insects, fruits, and roots. The Kiwi is a nocturnal bird, feeding primarily at night and being particularly vulnerable to introduced predators such as rats, mustelids, and dogs. It is also threatened by the loss of its natural habitat, and several species of Kiwi are critically endangered. Active conservation, such as nest protection and predator elimination, is essential to ensure the survival of these iconic birds.

Recommended lens:
>=200 mm

Photography tips:
Photographing the kiwi requires great patience, as it is a nocturnal and shy animal. Use a macro lens to capture the fascinating details of its plumage while it forages the ground. The best time to observe them is at night or during twilight. Be discreet and avoid disturbing them too much, as they are vulnerable to human disturbances.

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