Question

Which of the following is a flightless bird?
(a) Fowl
(b) Passer
(c) Kiwi
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: It is an endemic bird in New Zealand that belongs to the Apterygidae family. It is also recognized as the national symbol of New Zealand.

Complete answer:
Kiwi is also known as kiwis. It is included in the genus Apteryx and family Apterygidae. It is almost the size of a domestic chicken. Kiwi are birds like the smallest living ratites which includes ostriches, emus, rheas, and cassowaries. There are five recognized species, four of which are currently listed as vulnerable, and one of which is near-threatened. All species are affected by deforestation so it affects the number of species. Also, the other reason for their threat to their survival is the predation by invasive mammalian predators.
Almost all adult birds have bones with hollow insides to minimize weight and make flight practicable. But kiwi have marrow, like mammals and the young of other birds. Flying takes a lot of energy so with the ground being so safe, birds could save energy by walking. It has a very small vestigial wing, with a tiny cat-like claw on the end.
So, the correct answer is ‘Kiwi’.

Note: The kiwi's egg is one of the largest eggs in proportion to a body size almost up to 20% of the female's weight of any species of bird in the world. Other unique adaptations of kiwi, such as their hair-like feathers, short and stout legs, and using their nostrils at the end of their long beak to detect prey before they ever see it, have helped the bird to become internationally well-known.