Okarito Brown Kiwi (Apteryx rowi) - 20240302-08E
A large, dark grayish brown kiwi with brownish streaking, often showing white patches on face. Restricted to native forest near Okarito in New Zealand, with small populations on predator-free Mana, Blumine, and Motuara islands. Often heard at night foraging as it sniffs loudly, tapping the ground for invertebrates. Male call is a series of clear rising whistles. Female call is a harsh throaty wail. Both sexes repeat their call many times, and sometimes call simultaneously. Could be confused with Weka by voice and shape; look for the kiwi’s much longer bill and lack of tail, and listen for its multisyllabic call. (eBird)
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On the ferry to Blumine Island were two conservation officers who were taking two kiwis to a nearby island for release into the wild. During the trip, they brought out one of the kiwis and showed the fascinated passengers how the birds were banded and tagged with electronic trackers. The kiwi wasn't really impressed by all this handling, but the bander knew what she was doing and the job was quickly done. Before returning him to his travel box, the conservation officer showed him off to the enthralled passengers, most of whom had probably never seen a kiwi close up and in the daylight. I was absolutely thrilled!
A few days later, we heard a female calling at a mainland location, but did not see her so this was the only sighting that we had.
Ferry to Blumine Island, Marlborough, New Zealand. March 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.
Okarito Brown Kiwi (Apteryx rowi) - 20240302-08E
A large, dark grayish brown kiwi with brownish streaking, often showing white patches on face. Restricted to native forest near Okarito in New Zealand, with small populations on predator-free Mana, Blumine, and Motuara islands. Often heard at night foraging as it sniffs loudly, tapping the ground for invertebrates. Male call is a series of clear rising whistles. Female call is a harsh throaty wail. Both sexes repeat their call many times, and sometimes call simultaneously. Could be confused with Weka by voice and shape; look for the kiwi’s much longer bill and lack of tail, and listen for its multisyllabic call. (eBird)
---------------
On the ferry to Blumine Island were two conservation officers who were taking two kiwis to a nearby island for release into the wild. During the trip, they brought out one of the kiwis and showed the fascinated passengers how the birds were banded and tagged with electronic trackers. The kiwi wasn't really impressed by all this handling, but the bander knew what she was doing and the job was quickly done. Before returning him to his travel box, the conservation officer showed him off to the enthralled passengers, most of whom had probably never seen a kiwi close up and in the daylight. I was absolutely thrilled!
A few days later, we heard a female calling at a mainland location, but did not see her so this was the only sighting that we had.
Ferry to Blumine Island, Marlborough, New Zealand. March 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.