Rare dwarf kiwi spotted in New Zealand

The discovery of the kiwi on the main islands has been described as 'almost miraculous'

A rare bird species has been rediscovered on the main islands of New Zealand after not being seen for almost 50 years.

The bird - a kiwi pukupuku - also known as a dwarf or little spotted kiwi is the smallest of the kiwi species.

Since 1978 it has been thought to be extinct on New Zealand's main islands, only living on the offshore islands and in fenced predator-free sites.

That was until one was captured on video recently.

All about kiwis

• Kiwi's are flightless birds - they have tiny wings but can't fly.

• Whilst it does have feathers, they are loose and more like fur. Kiwi's also moult throughout the year, unlike other birds.

• It is the only bird in the world with nostrils at the end of its beak.

• Kiwi's are mostly nocturnal - this means they come out of their burrows at night to find food.

• Kiwi lay eggs as often as domestic hens, but kiwi eggs are six times bigger than eggs laid by most birds of their size.

• There are five species of kiwi- the kiwi pukupuku is the smallest species.

Fewer than 2,000 dwarf kiwis are thought to remain

The discovery of the kiwi on the main islands has been described as 'almost miraculous'.

Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said: "The last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978."

"Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn't found them - until now".

She added: "Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world!"