The Kiwi

The National bird of New Zealand is the kiwi Once plentiful but now considered rare Before the coming of the colonizers These ratites were abundant in the Islands everywhere. Their name was given to them by the Maoris Though i cannot say what the word 'Kiwi' mean I only know they are nocturnal creatures And in the light of day are seldom seen. I know that there are three species of kiwi I've seen one in nocturnal house in zoo By log in enclosed cage the house was dim lit And of him i did not have a good view. Their nostrils placed at the very tip of their bills Their long thin bills for probing in soft ground And it's been said that on calm nights in the high country Their voices can be heard for miles around. They call the People of New Zealand 'Kiwis' From their national bird they come by their nickname Though the timid birds who come out after twilight Will never know of their enduring fame. The Kiwi is National bird of New Zealand And she lays a huge egg for her body size And she ventures out each evening after night fall In search of food beneath the darkened skies.