Kiwis: Apterygidae - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Brown Kiwi (apteryx Australis): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, KIWIS AND PEOPLE

Kiwis are found in various locations in New Zealand and on nearby islands, including Stewart Island. The North Island brown kiwi is the most widespread, with an estimated 30,000 in the wild.

Most kiwis prefer subtropical and temperate forests, including coniferous and deciduous forests, grassland, scrubland, and farmland. Two varieties live in the higher elevations, the Stewart Island brown kiwi and great spotted kiwi.

Kiwis are primarily insectivores, meaning they eat mainly insects. Their diet includes earthworms, beetles, snails, caterpillars, centipedes, spiders, cockroaches, praying mantises, snails, locusts, crickets, grasshoppers, and insect larvae. They will eat some plant material, such as fallen fruit and berries, but only rarely. Kiwis find most of their food by scent, using the highly sensitive nostrils located at the end of their beak.

The kiwi is the national symbol of New Zealand and an important draw for tourists. Its image is found on New Zealand stamps, coins, and corporate logos, including the now-defunct Kiwi Air. It is used to promote a variety of commercial products.