Apteryx owenii Gould, 1847

Scientific Naming and Taxonomy

The little spotted kiwi, scientifically named Apteryx owenii Gould, 1847, is the smallest species of kiwi.

Body Size and Mass

Adults measure 35 to 45 cm (14–18 in) in length; males weigh 0.88 to 1.36 kg (1 lb 15 oz – 3 lb 0 oz), while females weigh 1 to 1.95 kg (2+1⁄4–4+1⁄4 lb).

Feather Characteristics

Their shaggy feathers are pale mottled grey with fine white mottling, and they lack aftershafts and barbules. They have large vibrissae feathers around the gape.

Tail Structure

Though they have no tail, they do have a small pygostyle.

Bill and Leg Coloration

Their long bill is ivory-coloured, and their legs are pale.

Parasite Species

An obligate louse, Rallicola pilgrimi, parasitised specifically on little spotted kiwi.

Conservation-Induced Extinction

When the kiwi were translocated to Kapiti Island for conservation, all of these lice were killed, which is an example of conservation-induced extinction.

Preferred Habitat Types

Studies of little spotted kiwi on Kapiti Island show that the species prefers flax, seral, and older forest habitats.

Habitat Suitability and Territoriality

Lower population numbers are found in rough grassland and scrub; this suggests either the species prefers other habitat types, or that individuals need larger territories to support themselves in these open areas.

Nesting Behavior

For reproduction, little spotted kiwi nest in excavated burrows, which are dug by both members of a breeding pair, and are sometimes lined with plant material.

Egg Laying Period

Females lay eggs between July and January.

Clutch Size

Clutch size is one to two eggs, with 15% of clutches containing two eggs.

Incubation Period

The male incubates the eggs for 63 to 76 days.

Post-Hatching Development

After hatching, chicks remain in the nest for 2 to 3 weeks, and require feeding for 4 weeks.

Egg-to-Body Weight Ratio

A little spotted kiwi egg weighs approximately 23% of the parent bird’s body weight.

Comparative Egg Size

This is the largest egg-to-body-weight ratio among kiwi, and among birds in general, though it is exceeded by some marine birds such as the Guadalupe murrelet and storm petrel.