Kiwi are extremely territorial birds, especially males, and fiercely protect their patch.

Their territorial fights are not for the faint-hearted – kiwi’s sharp claws, and their powerful legs and feet can inflict fatal wounds.   Fights involve high jumps and slashing blows, kicks and tears.

Once territories are established, disputes are usually resolved from afar, by vocal means.  Birds call on the borders between territories, and the kiwi’s cry of dominance can carry several kilometres.  To avoid a confrontation, kiwi speed back into their home zone before returning their neighbour's call.

Territory Size

The size of a kiwi’s territory ranges from 2-hectares to 100-hectares, depending on the species and the location. Rowi and Haast Tokoeka have the largest territories – up to 100-hectares per pair.  But the Southern Tokoeka’s territory size on Stewart Island varies enormously, based on food supply.  In the leaner sand dunes, family groups can command 50-hectares, while in the food-rich tussock grassland of Mason Bay just 5-hectares can suffice.  

It should be noted that Southern Tokoeka are unusual among kiwi because they do live in small clans, or mixed-age family groups. 

Finding a Mate

Once bonded as a pair, a male and female kiwi usually live all their lives together, as a monogamous couple.

In kiwi pairs, traditional gender roles are reversed.  The female is bigger and dominates the male. 

The kiwi’s combination of monogamy and role reversal is extremely rare among birds.

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