A peculiar bird is the Kiwi,
The unfortunate thing can not fly;
It doesn't have wings to speak of,
So I suppose that it just doesn't try.

They are only found in New Zealand,
And on several islands nearby;
New Zealand has made it their emblem,
Thought I'm darned if I can think why.

The eggs that they lay are enormous,
About a quarter the size of the hen;
And occasionally she will lay two eggs,
But not over and over again.

The long slender bills of the Kiwis,
Have nostrils right at the tip;
For smelling their food as they forage,
Like scavengers do at the tip.

Their legs are quite short and and quite stubby,
With powerful claws numbering three;
For scratching around in the forest,
They have very poor eyesight you see.

There are three different types in the species,
Great spotted, little spotted and brown;
Their scientific name Apterygidae,
Is enough to make anyone frown.

So that is the tale of the Kiwi,
A birdie that once, perhaps, flew;
They are plump and round and appealing,
I think they're so cute, don't you?