Kiwi's

Have recently completed a superb trip to NZ. We managed to see 5 species/types of Kiwi in 5 attempts. We were so elated about this that we wondered if it was some sort of record, can anyone out there match it or know anyone who has?
Does anyone know how many of the Brown Kiwi's have been split.?

Hi Kevin

I've no idea personally about Kiwi taxonomy but have posted a query on the BirdingNZ forum . Whatever the answer, 5 in 5 does sound an impressive feat!

Hi,

At the moment there are five species of Kiwi recognised by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand:

Northern Island Brown
Stewart Island Brown
Okarito
Great Spotted
Little Spotted

an alternative list also recognises Haast Kiwi.

The new OSNZ is due next year so we'll see what happens as further spilts cannot be ruled out.

Several birders have seen all five - so no record I'm afraid!

Hi Iain

Is the split to 5 species from 3 published somewhere? I notice that the OSNZ list available online at www.bird.org.nz/nzrbn.htm (which is what we have used on BUBO Listing) just considers the 3 full species.

Hi Mike,

Yes, sorry, I realised my error later yesterday evening. The current OSNZ list does recognise just three kiwi species, but the five mentioned in my previous post are all widely accepted as separate species. So wouldn't be surprised if the revised OSNZ contained all five, in fact I would be more surprised if it didn't!

Thw wrybill tours list recognises six species - so i got that one right.

Need to double check clements - think this might recognise five species, hence my earlier mistake/ confusions.

Cheers Iain