Franz
Anthony
Editor and Artist
New Zealand’s flightless national bird is far from helpless. The males are known to be territorial, and will fiercely defend their turf.
These small ratites, close relatives of ostriches, emu, and cassowaries; seem to share similar fighting prowess with their much bigger relatives. Armed with sharp claws and powerful legs, their kicks and blows can deliver a fatal wound to their rivals.
Once a territory is established, a male can attract a mate and stay monogamous with his partner throughout its 25-50 years life. They also display a trait uncommon in birds, where the female is bigger and dominates the male in the relationship.
There are five recognized species of Kiwis, all endemic to New Zealand, two of which are vulnerable, one endangered, and one critically endangered.