Research into the kiwi’s DNA shows their closest relative is the now-extinct giant elephant bird (Mullerornis agilis) from Madagascar. So how did the kiwi get all the way from there, to here?
An ancient ancestor
The kiwi’s closest relative is the now-extinct giant elephant bird (Mullerornis agilis) from Madagascar. Kiwi are also more closely related to Australia’s emus and cassowaries than New Zealand’s other well-known ratite, the moa.
Madagascar is a very long 11,200 kilometres away for a bird that can’t fly, while Australia is about 4000 kilometres away. So how did the kiwi journey to New Zealand? Three very different theories have been put forward to explain the mystery.
Some suggest the kiwi’s ancestor was already around when New Zealand broke away from Antarctica and Australia 60 million years ago.
If true, this removes the question of whether or not the kiwi could ever fly. It would also mean our national icon originated around the same time as the dinosaurs.
Walking to New Zealand
Islands rise up and submerge as tectonic plates move. A string of islands have come and gone between New Caledonia and Northland during the past 50 million years. It is possible that the kiwi and other species moved from one island to the next as they rose and fell, using them like stepping-stones to reach New Zealand.
A flying kiwi
Once considered the least likely explanation, a flying kiwi seems more possible following DNA analysis linking kiwi with Madagascar’s extinct elephant bird. The findings make little sense if their common ancestor could not fly because how else could they have come to New Zealand?
Scientists estimate the common ancestor lived 50 million years ago and could have been a partridge-like bird that flew between landmasses in search of new homes.
The hypothesis challenges the long-held view that all ratites had a flightless ancestor. Of the ratites that are alive today, only the South American tinamous can fly – and not very well – making it very much the exception, not the rule.
Another argument against a once-flying kiwi is the theory that its ancestor was much bigger than today’s bird. The kiwi egg is so huge it should theoretically be laid by a bird two or three times bigger, perhaps closer to a cassowary in size. That would have been much too big to fly across the Tasman Sea, even millions of years ago when the gap was narrower.
The mystery of the kiwi’s arrival remains subject to debate.
Part of the ratite whānau
Kiwi are part of a group of largely flightless birds known as ratites. Ostriches, emu, and the extinct moa are also part of this group.
Honorary mammals
The kiwi is sometimes referred to as an honorary mammal because of its un-birdlike habits and physical characteristics.
The hidden bird of Tāne
In Māori tradition, all living things on Earth originate from the union of Rangi-nui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother).
Flightless ... but has wings
The kiwi is one of New Zealand's many flightless birds. They didn't need to fly because there weren't any land mammal predators before man arrived to New Zealand 1000 years ago.
Feathers like hair
Because kiwi do not fly, their feathers have evolved into a unique texture to suit a ground-based lifestyle.
An unusual beak
The kiwi has an extremely unusual beak. Not only does it provide a keen sense of smell, it also has sensory pits at the tip which allow the kiwi to sense prey moving underground.
Enormous egg
In proportion to its body size, the female kiwi lays a bigger egg than almost any other bird. While a full term human baby is 5% of its mother's body weight, the kiwi egg takes up 20% of the mother's body.
Kiwi life cycle
Kiwi make their home in many different environments and have been described as 'breeding machines'. With the eradication of predators, the kiwi could be successful once again.
Kiwi signs
Being nocturnal, kiwi can be quite elusive but they do leave signs as to where they have been.
Bird of the night
Kiwi are nocturnal. Like many other New Zealand native animals, they are most active in the dark.
Kiwi calls
Kiwi call at night to mark their territory and stay in touch with their mate. The best time to listen for kiwi is on a moonless night, up to two hours after dark, and just before dawn.
What kiwi eat
Kiwi are omnivores. Their gizzards usually contain grit and small stones which help in the digestion process.
How kiwi came to Aotearoa
Just how did the kiwi journey to New Zealand? Three very different theories have been put forward to explain the mystery.
How kiwi evolved
It is thought that today’s kiwi evolved from one kiwi ancestor that lived about 50 million years ago: a proto-kiwi.
Kiwi myths
Kiwi experts are keen to dispel myths surrounding the kiwi - and there are quite a few!
Learn more about kiwi
Kiwi species
All kiwi are the same, right? Wrong. There are actually five different species of kiwi, all with their own unique features.
Threats to kiwi
The national kiwi population is under attack from many different threats, including predators, loss of habitat, and fragmentation of species.
Where to see kiwi
Many facilities around New Zealand are home to kiwi, plus there are places where, if you're lucky, you could see one in the wild too.
How you can help
Many hands make light work. Keen to join the mission to save the kiwi? Here are some ways you can help.
Protect kiwi
For kiwi to thrive, we all need to work together. Find out what you can do to help save the kiwi, wherever in Aotearoa you happen to be.
Fundraise
To continuing saving the kiwi, conservation groups need funding. Support the mission by making a donation, setting up a fundraising project, or engaging with other fundraising initiatives.
Shop for kiwi
Show your support for Save the Kiwi and some of our wonderful sponsors by purchasing products that will help us do more of what we do.
Donate
Make a quick donation, donate a day of annual leave or invest to save the kiwi.