The kiwi, even if it is not often seen in the wild, it is very well know. It is New Zealand's national symbol. It has given its name to New Zealanders, who are called "Kiwis" all over the world.

Kiwi Characteristics

Kiwi is a nocturnal flightless New Zealand bird. They have short, strong, and solid bodies covered with shaggy hair-like feathers. Kiwis weight 3-9 pounds, have a wingspan of 4 inches, and are 18-33 inches long. They have long beaks. Because of its behavior and a number of physical features, including whiskers, hair-like feathers, scent glands, and nostrils for sniffing out food, the kiwi has been called the bird world's "honorary mammal."

Kiwis are burrowers and often move to a new burrow each day. In addition, Kiwis are very strong and often ill tempered. Adult kiwis use their razor sharp claws to defend themselves as well as their...