Story: Kiwi

Male tending the egg

Once the female North Island brown kiwi has laid her egg, she hands responsibility for its incubation to the male. He suffers some starvation during the three-month incubation period, as it is difficult to look after the egg and search for food. Having sacrificed so much in getting the chick to hatching, the parents quickly give up their role and leave the chick to fend for itself.

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Kiwi - Life and death', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/10181/male-tending-the-egg (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 15 May 2015