The kiwi is a flightless bird native to New Zealand whose nostrils are located at the tip of its bill.
Kiwis are unusual among birds because they use smell to help locate prey such as earthworms, insects, and other invertebrates beneath leaf litter and soil. Their long bill carries sensitive structures, including tactile bristles near its base. Kiwis are nocturnal and have loose, hair-like feathers that contribute to their distinctive appearance.
Although kiwis are birds, their reduced wings and strong legs can make them seem mammalian. They are part of the ratite group, which includes emus, cassowaries, rheas, and ostriches, but their exact evolutionary relationships have been studied extensively. New Zealand has several kiwi species, and the name “kiwi” is also a widely used informal name for people from New Zealand.