North Island Brown Kiwi song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the North Island Brown Kiwi, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Males emit a loud, ascending, shrill whistle, often repeated 'kee-wee, kee-wee'. Females produce a harsher, lower-pitched, guttural 'krr-krr' or 'kurr-kurr' call. These calls are primarily for territorial advertisement and communication between pairs.

Calls

In addition to territorial calls, they may produce soft snuffling or grunting sounds while foraging. Alarm calls are typically sharp, hissing sounds.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season (autumn to spring) and at night, particularly at dusk and dawn, to establish and maintain territories.

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