Hillary, did you know that the bird that lays an egg that is roughly a quarter of its body weight is the Kiwi bird? This fascinating flightless bird, native to New Zealand, lays eggs that are about 15-20% of its body weight, making them some of the largest eggs in proportion to body size in the bird kingdom.

The Kiwi bird is renowned for its unique characteristics, including its small size, long beak, and distinctive brown feathers. Despite its size, the Kiwi is a powerful digger and has strong legs that allow it to move quickly through the dense forests of New Zealand in search of food.

One of the most remarkable features of the Kiwi bird is its reproductive process. Female Kiwis are known to lay eggs that are almost as large as their own bodies, making the act of laying an egg an incredible physical feat. The eggs are typically laid in burrows or nests, where they are kept warm and protected until they hatch.

Due to their large size and unique shape, Kiwi eggs require a longer incubation period than most other bird eggs. It can take up to 80 days for a Kiwi egg to hatch, during which time the female Kiwi will diligently guard and care for her precious egg.

Overall, the Kiwi bird is a truly remarkable creature with many fascinating traits, including its ability to lay eggs that are a quarter of its body weight. If you ever have the chance to visit New Zealand, be sure to keep an eye out for these incredible birds in their natural habitat.

So, next time you come across a Kiwi bird or hear about its unique reproductive process, remember that this small but mighty creature is capable of laying eggs that are a true marvel of nature.

Sign Up