After comments such as...I thought New Zealanders were named after fruit and...is that what a Kiwi really looks like?...I've decided my readers need to know more about Kiwis.
A Kiwi is a native bird of New Zealand. They are semi-nocturnal which means few New Zealanders have seen them in the wild. They have wings but cannot fly (trust NZders to want to be named after a bird that can't fly). They grow to the size of a chicken, don't have a tail and have nostrils at the end of their bills to sniff out food. They eat worms, insects, grubs, berries and seeds. Yuk! Apparently, they can outrun a human. Wow!
The Kiwi was first used as an emblem in the late 19th century in regimental badges. The name 'Kiwi' for NZ soldiers came into general use during the Ist World War. New Zealanders carved a giant Kiwi on the chalk hill above Sling Camp in England.
Now we are referred to as 'Kiwis' in New Zealand and overseas. Here endeth the lesson.
Here's a pic of Mr Kiwi and Coco. You wouldn't see a dog and a real Kiwi together. Dogs are considered as a predator to the Kiwi and are banned in many forests and parks to protect them.
That's all folks
Bye for now
xxx
