Info Kiwi

The Maori called the kiwi "Te Manuhuna a Tanemahuta", the Hidden Bird of Tane, Guardian of the forest.

The kiwi is one of our native birds.

There are 3 species of kiwis, the brown kiwi, the little spotted kiwi and the great spotted kiwi. The brown kiwi is further divided in 3 sub-species. The kiwi is flightless, it's got hair-like feathers, and it burrows in the ground... and it's endangered. The Department of Conservation, Kiwi Houses, Zoos and others work hard to save our kiwi birds...

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Info Fantail, piwakawaka

The Maori call the fantail 'piwakawaka'.

The Fantail is primarily a forest bird, but these days can be found in more open areas of bush and scrub and sometimes in our gardens. They are cheeky little birds, only about 16cm tall.

Fantail/piwakawaka wins Bird of the Year 2006
Tuesday, 17 October 2006, 9:22 am
Press Release: Royal Forest And Bird Protection Society
16 October 2006 - Wellington
Fantail/piwakawaka wins Bird of the Year 2006 >> more

The full Bird of the Year top 10 is:

Fantail/piwakawaka (458 votes)
Tui (453)
Kereru (348)
Kakapo (229)
Takahe (180)
Kea (172)
Kokako (168)
Bellbird/korimako (116)
Kiwi (109)
Pukeko (81)

Source: Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society ©

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