Alternative names: Common Kiwi; Southern Brown Kiwi; Tokoeka
Includes Northern Brown Kiwi; Okarito Brown Kiwi
- Apteryx australis
Identification
Length: 50 cm *Long-billed *Short-legged *Tailless *Wingless *Dark greyish-brown *Streaked with reddish-brown and black *Greyer on head *Bill whitish to pinkish *Legs pale brownish
Distribution
South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand.
Taxonomy
Also known as Common Kiwi, or Tokoeka (Tokoeka has also been used for Northern Brown Kiwi). Northern and Southern Brown Kiwi were counted as one species, Brown Kiwi (Apteryx australis) until recently.
Subspecies: Nominate race is found on South Island and is the dullest and greyest race, lawryi from Stewart Island has more reddish plumage on the back.
Habitat
Originally found in native forest, now in scrub, farmland and other modified woodlands. Mainly nocturnal and the most reliable way to see this species is a night trip to Ocean Beach on Stewart Island where birds can be seen feeding along the tideline. However, reportedly diurnal around Island Hill on the Northwest Circuit hiking trail of Stewart Island.
Behaviour
Nests in a hole in tree-roots, dense vegetation, or hollow log, sometimes an excavated burrow. Eggs: usually 1 egg, ivory-white to pale greenish, laid in July-February. Incubated by male for 75-80 days.
Diet: Worms and insect larvae, fallen fruit.
Voice: Male has a shrill whistled ki-wi and female a hoarse cry.
