There are 5 kiwi species: the brown kiwi, great spotted Kiwi, lesser spotted Kiwi, rowi, and tokoeka. All are endemic to New Zealand. The National Zoo exhibits the brown kiwi. These kiwis are found from sea level to 1,200 meters. Their original habitat was moist coniferous forest dominated by kauri and tree-ferns. Clearing of much of this primeval forest has forced many kiwis to attempt to survive in partially timbered agricultural areas. The largest remaining population of Brown Kiwis on North Island resides in a large commercial pine plantation.

 

Kiwis form life-long pair bonds and exhibit remarkable fidelity to their home territories. They will remain in a territory for weeks after every tree has been logged. Territories range in size from 5 to 50 hectares depending on the quality of the habitat. Kiwis excavate several burrows within each territory. A typical underground burrow has one entrance, a tunnel 20 to 200 cm in length and a terminal chamber large enough to accomodate both birds. They will also utilize hollow logs or shallow holes dug out between tree roots.