WALT write a report

KIWI!!!

by Josephine

The kiwi is a special bird. It is related to the extinct moa, and is more like an animal than a bird. We see the kiwi on our stamps, coins and New Zealand made goods, we even call ourselves KIWIS! This bird is special to New Zealanders, it is one of our native birds that we protect from all its predators.

Description

The kiwi has a long beak  so they can get earthworms. They use their long beak to reach into the soil. It has black bulging pupils and two sharp claws at the end of their feet. When you lay eyes on the kiwi  you think it looks spiky but it isn’t, it has nice and soft feathers. Kiwis feathers are warm, hang loose and are much fluffier than other birds.

Young

Breeding begins in winter for the brown kiwi and in spring for the little spotted kiwi. The hen takes many weeks to lay one egg, or sometimes, two or three eggs. Only one egg can be incubated. The eggshells are white or greenish white. Did you know that kiwis eggs are the size of six hen eggs?

Wings

The kiwi has wings the size of  our little finger, it has lost its tail. It is too heavy to fly and their wings aren’t strong, they are stiff.

Threats

The kiwi  has lots of predators. DOGS! Dogs are major threats to kiwis. Dogs can easily pick up the birds with their sharp teeth, and they can easily kill them because the kiwi doesn't have a bone frame or muscle in its ungainly body.

Conclusion

The kiwi is special to us New Zealanders, it is one of our native birds that we protect from all its predators. It is really not like a bird because it doesn't fly. If you are in New Zealand make sure you visit them in our native bush or in our zoo’s.