The kiwi, also known as the national bird of New Zealand, is considered a symbol of the country. Belonging to the sandpiper family, it is one of the most primitive bird species, dating back to World War I. There are only three species of kiwis worldwide, all found in New Zealand, Oceania: the Brown Kiwi, the Great Spotted Kiwi, and the Little Spotted Kiwi.
Kiwis are rare birds endemic to New Zealand, and Smithsonian National Zoo is one of only four zoos in the world outside of New Zealand that breed kiwis. In 1975, Smithsonian National Zoo successfully hatched a kiwi, and this 30-year-old kiwi is still on display for visitors in the zoo's aviary.
The confirmed species of kiwi are all flightless, nocturnal birds that live in New Zealand and are endemic to the country. The North Island brown kiwi is also listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The kiwi is a Class I protected animal under the Washington Convention Appendix.
