Avian Extreme: Brown Kiwi
The Brown Kiwi is one of five species of kiwi. All kiwis, native to the islands of New Zealand, are flightless. The national symbol of New Zealand holds at least two avian records. First, these grown-dwelling birds have the largest egg in relation to their body size. The kiwi is about the size of a domestic chicken, while the egg is about the size of an emu's egg! The egg may be up to 1/5 of the body weight of the mother bird. Kiwis are also unusual in that after the egg is laid, the male takes care of incubation and nest maintenance. The other record held by the kiwi relates to unusual anatomy: it is the only bird with nostrils at the end of the bill. Unlike most other bird species, the kiwi has a good sense of smell. It uses scent to find prey. If you can't get enough of this extreme avian species, be sure to check out Birdorable's collection of cute Brown Kiwi t-shirts & gifts.
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