Kiwi: A Natural History

Description

New Zealand's best-known bird and national icon is the subject of this new and highly accessible title from two experts in their field. There are five recognised species of kiwi, distributed unevenly in locations throughout New Zealand and ranging from the most widespread - the North Island brown kiwi - to the most endangered (the little spotted kiwi). Along with stunning photographs from award-winning wildlife photographer Rod Morris, native bird expert Dr Isabel Castrol describes all key aspects of kiwi, from their evolution, prehistory and closest relatives (based on the latest research) to their feeding and breeding behaviour and current conservation issues, making this the perfect introduction for anyone with an interest in these fascinating birds. The series Kiwi is the second title in a new A5-sized full-colour series from New Holland on New Zealand's wildlife, targeted at a family readership. The first title is Penguins of New Zealand by Lloyd Spencer Davis and Rod Morris.

Since acquiring her doctorate at Massey University, Dr Isabel Castro has closely studied New Zealand's native birds, with particular focus on hihi and kiwi. Among other published works, Isabel is co-author of A Guide to the Birds of the Galapagos Islands (Christopher Helm, 1996). She lives in Palmerston North. Rod Morris is one of New Zealand's foremost natural history filmmakers and photographers. His collaborations with New Holland include New Zealand Nature, A Photographic Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand, and A Photographic Guide to Mammals of New Zealand. Rod lives on the Otago Peninsula.