The name apterygidae is a scientific word (derived from apteryx) referring to a genus of birds, commonly known as kiwis. These birds belong to a group scientifically known as ratites, which is usually a group of large, flightless birds. The origin of these birds is known to be North America and Europe. Although it was previously believed that these birds originated from the South, evidence has shown that flying ratites inhabited the Northern hemisphere millions of years back. The southern hemisphere distribution of ratites has been explained to be a probable result of the spread of flying ratites from the north.

Kiwis are medium sized, flightless birds with stout legs and four toes. Their beak is long, elastic and sensitive to touch. Their feathers are loose and are projected outwards like unkempt hair. They have no second finger, and no tail. Their legs are stout, short and strong and they have sharp claws. Young kiwis are as colored as adult ones, but their feathers are much softer.

Kiwis are commonly found on the Northern and Southern Islands of New Zealand. Previously, they were more widespread than the case is at present, and today only the brown kiwi, scientifically known as ‘Apteryx australis’, remains common. The other species are to be found in a few selected Islands.

Kiwis are known to inhabit temperate and subtropical forests, but destruction of forests and subsequent human settlement has left them with limited habitation. The brown kiwi has been able to successfully adapt to plantations, including those of exotic pines as well as the edges of farmlands. The other species have been confined to mountainous areas and Islands, explaining their decreased presence and visibility today.

Most kiwis are nocturnal, although some are active during the day. Kiwis are monogamous, and form partnerships that may last their whole lives. They maintain their territories by calling, and they may be aggressive defending their territorial boundaries. The size of a territory will usually vary depending on the locality. Males are known to call more frequently than the females, but both uphold an upright posture while calling. In this calling position, the beaks are raised and the neck and legs are fully stretched. This calling is typical and more pronounced during mating periods. Kiwis roost alone during the day in sheltered areas and shallow burrows, mostly on the ground level.

Kiwis feed on invertebrates like earthworms, spiders and insects from the ground and dump sites. They also feed on some plants, but in small quantities as compared to their intake of animal food. They have an extremely good sense of smell, which helps them locate food. They hardly use their eyes in food hunting. They also use their beaks a lot in hunting for food, and the bills are thrust deep into the ground when feeding.

The national bird of New Zealand, kiwis have no peculiar significance to any other people. In ancient times, kiwi skins were used to make cloaks, and ancient hunters hunted them for food.