Habitat:
dense forests, scrublands, grasslands

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The North Island Brown Kiwi, or Mantell's Kiwi, is a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its shaggy brown plumage, long slender bill, and nostrils located at the tip of the bill. This nocturnal bird feeds primarily on invertebrates, which it detects using its exceptional sense of smell. It inhabits dense forests, scrublands, and grasslands. The North Island Brown Kiwi is monogamous, forming long-term pairs. The female typically lays one or two eggs per season, which the male incubates. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by introduced mammalian predators and habitat destruction.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the North Island Brown Kiwi, patience and discretion are key, as this bird is very shy. Focus on nighttime outings, as it is primarily active at night. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture images from a distance without disturbing it. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize your camera in low-light conditions. Listen for rustling sounds in the soil, which indicate its presence. Finally, always respect its natural habitat and avoid disturbing its fragile environment.