kiwi (kēˈwē) [key] or apteryx ăpˈtərĭks, common name for the
smallest member of an order of primitive flightless birds
related to the ostrich, the emu, and the cassowary. The kiwi,
named by the Maoris for its shrill, piping call, is most closely
related to the extinct moa. It is the size of a large chicken
and has short, stout legs and coarse, dark plumage that hides
the rudimentary wings. It lacks wing and tail plumes and walks
with a rolling gait. It is the only bird whose nostrils open at
the tip of the bill, which is 6 in. (15 cm) long, slender, and
curved. Kiwis hide during the day and forage at night for grubs
and worms. Their eyesight is poor; the long, hairy bristles at
the base of the bill are believed to have a tactile function
which is thought to supplement their keen sense of smell in
hunting. Kiwis nest in underground burrows, the male performing
the incubational duties. The one or two chalky white eggs are 5
in. (12.5 cm) long, weigh almost 1 lb. (0.5 kg), and take from
75 to 80 days to hatch. T