Territory

A male kiwi needs a territory before he can attract a mate.

They fiercely protect their patch and fights can be rough. These involve high jumps and slashing blows, kicks and tears. A kiwi’s sharp claws and powerful legs and feet can inflict fatal wounds.

Once territories are established, border disputes are usually resolved by less dangerous means – birds call to mark the edge of their territory, and the sound 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 territories ranges from 2 hectares to 100 hectares, depending on the species and their location. Rowi and Haast tokoeka have the largest territories – up to 100 hectares. The size of the Stewart Island tokoeka’s territory varies, depending on food supply. In the leaner coastal sand dunes, family groups can command 50 hectares, while in food-rich tussock grassland of Mason Bay, just 5 hectares will do. Stewart Island tokoeka are unusual among many kiwi varieties because they live in small mixed-age family groups.

Finding a mate

Kiwi are unusual among birds because, once bonded as a pair, they usually stay together as a life-long monogamous couple. Traditional gender roles are reversed – the female is bigger and dominates the male. This is also extremely rare among birds.

Next: Preparing a nesting burrow.

Trainers Directory

This New Zealand-wide directory will locate a trainer near you.

Workshops

The kiwi workers network lets us share what we know, and learn from other people.

Success Stories

Find out about the actions, research and education programmes helping save kiwi.

Did You Know?

The kiwi’s Latin species name is Apteryx, meaning ‘wingless’. It only has a small wing stump, with a tiny cat-like claw on the end.