TE KIWI.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 164, 13 July 1929, Page 10

TE KIWI.

"THE HIDDEN BIRD OF TANE.

TO BE SPECIALLY EXHIBITED

VANISHING FOREST DENIZEN.

EMBLEMATIC IMPORTANCE.

Au effort is being made in Auckland to have a live kiwi exhibited at a poultry show to be held this month. Some time ago, as reported, a kiwi egg was found in North Auckland by a poultry expert. Placed in an oven, the egg produced a robust chick, now a healthy grown specimen. It is hoped to have the privilege of the exhibit, which, it is understood, will then be placed in the Zoo.

The successful rearing of this bird— and it is not an isolated case—is taken to illustrate that, if authoritative action is taken, New Zealand's emblematic Apteryx (the technical name, meaning "without wings") may become just as much an authentic and vital significance as the birds associated with the active natural history of other countries.

The number of people who have, seen a kiwi, the most distinctive genus of Dominion native birds, is infinitesimal; so few, in fact, that the average visitor to these shores acquainted with the term "Land of the Kiwi," marvels at the cornmou lack of knowledge on that subject. That ignorance, however, is not to be wholly charged as neglect upon the white population, but may be attributed to the growing scarcity of the bird in its native habitat, the bush, which vanishes with the progress ol settlement. \

Characteristically a forest denizen of nocturnal habits —hence, rarely seen by day—the kiwi on the mainland has had to contend with natural enemies as well |as imported pests. Dogs and rats have added to the marauding committed by ■weasels and stoats. Up till quite recently they were hunted by night with the aid of torches and dogs to make a catch. Native bird-lovers and. others who take a pride in the country have deplored this gradual extermination and, therefore, a revival of a persisting suggestion that something more should be done to preserve this unique and pigmy ostrich-like bird will be greeted with wide approval. It is satisfactory to know that kiwis arc numerous 011 the Little Barrier, and that a number liberated 011 Kapiti and Resolution Islandare doiner well; but these are far away from public ken. Plea for Preservation. The Government, it Is suggested, might be encouraged either to co-operate with zoo authorities and (or) acclimatisation societies to capture some birds or obtain their eggs and commence breeding kiwis within protected areas closer to cities and towns. Though there is a regulation prohibiting the destruction of kiwis,, which are about the most harmless creatures extant, their extinction continues by other processes unaffected by officia ban. This could be checked by fostering them in other than the sanctuaries referred to. It should present no difficulties in view of the captivity policy condoned in the harbouring of other foreign and native birds and animals housed at the zoos for popular edifica-

The word "kiwi" occurs In some Melanesian and Polynesian dialects as applied to birds of the rail and plover types. It may refer to the snuffing or whistling call of the bird, but more probably to its quaint attitude of holding the head sideways in a listening attitude before striking its bill into the ground to get its worm (toka), grub (huhu) and other insect food. Thus the Maoris say "tutiro kiwi," or, better still,, to suggest a person who is sly-looking, "inata kiwi." In mythology the bird is associated with Tane (God of Forests), and as such is honorificially known as "te manu huna 0 Tane" (the hidden bird of Tane).

The feathers of the kiwi were highly valued for weaving into the texture of Maori garments, which became "kahu kiwi," the feathers being joined in bunches of three or more. This was a long and tedious process, and garments so ornamented were very valued.

The bird is usually about, the size of a large hen, but some are two feet or more in height the colour being reddishbrown or grey. Though incapable of flight, the kiwi is not really wingless, the rudimentary stump having a short humerus and one complete digit, hidden by downy featherg which. thickly cover the body. With strong scale-covered legs, the bird is able to run very rapidly and to defend itself with its claws. The long, slender rounded beak, with nostrils at the tip, is used to dig for its food. Maoris deny a published assertion that the kiwi also eats hinau berries. Four Known Species. The bones of the body of the kiwi have no air cavities as found in birds that fly. They live in pairs, and the hen, nesting at the foot of tree or fernstump, lays a large egg, apparently twice a year, the male sharing in the incubation responsibilities. There are said to be four species of the kiwi, two in the North Island and two in the South. The large bird of the North is known to the Maoris as the "parure." The large grey specimen of the South is the "karuai," and this small one as the "pakapuku." It is uncertain whether the species are distinct.. Occasionally albino or freak kiwis are discovered. The plumage is white, the beak also whitish, and like all albinos, the eyes are pink. Years ago Colonel Paterson gave a fine specimen to the Auckland Museum, but eventually handed it over as a gift to Lord Kitchener during the distinguished soldier's visit. It was seen subsequently in a case at.the vestibule of the War Office— of all places! Later, a dwarfish 'kiwi albino was found by a northern settler, and this is now in the bird collection at the Museum.

New Zealandera do not require to be ornithologists to learn more about this quaintest representative of the native feathered world.