About Apteryx australis Shaw, 1813
This species lacks a preen gland. Its feathers have no aftershafts and no barbules. Large vibrissae are present around its gape, and it has no tail, with only a pygostyle present. It reaches a total length of 45 to 55 cm (18–22 in); females weigh 2.1 to 3.9 kg (4.6–8.6 lb), while males weigh 1.6 to 2.8 kg (3.5–6.2 lb). Its bill is long and slender, with a slight downward curve. Like other kiwis, this species is nocturnal. Its plumage is rufous in color with some streaking. Southern brown kiwi (Apteryx australis) inhabit the South Island and Stewart Island of New Zealand. On the South Island mainland, they are found in Fiordland and Westland. They occupy temperate and sub-tropical forests, grassland, and shrubland, preferring denser vegetation. They are widespread across Stewart Island, where they also live on sand dunes. Like all kiwi, the southern brown kiwi has two functioning ovaries, but only the left oviduct is functional, which lets eggs from both ovaries pass through. It is a monogamous species. Once paired, the couple defends their territory using warning calls. Their territories range in size from 4.9 to 43 hectares (12 to 106 acres). Nests are built in burrows, or in sheltered spots under thick vegetation. The female lays 1 to 2 eggs, most often just one egg, which the male incubates for 90 days. A few days after hatching, the chick will leave the nest to feed on its own, though it may remain near its parents for up to a year. When not incubating eggs, adult southern brown kiwi roost alone in sheltered spots at ground level.
