Chordate Zoology - Textbook - I. V. Tsaryk - 2013

Chapter 5. SUPERCLASS TETRAPODS (TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES) TETRAPODA, seu QUADRIPEDA.

ANAMNIANS (ANAMNIA) AND AMNIOTES (AMNIOTA)

5.3. CLASS BIRDS AVES

5.3.3. Taxonomy and characteristics of representatives of the main orders of the class Aves

5.3.3.2. Superorder Typical, or Neognathate Birds Neognathae

5.3.3.2.4. Order Kiwis, or Wingless Birds, Apterygiformes

The smallest of the ratite birds, weighing only 2-3 kg. Three (or five) species of the genus Kiwi Apteryx inhabit the forests and shrublands of New Zealand (Fig. 5.45, 5). The wing Skeleton and Pectoral Girdle are heavily reduced; the bill is long and slender; unlike all other birds, the nostrils are located at the tip of the bill. They are nocturnal in habit. They feed on invertebrates. The female lays a single, occasionally two eggs weighing up to 450 g. Incubation and chick rearing are carried out primarily by the male. Birds reach sexual maturity at the age of 3-5 years.

According to modern Taxonomy, the order Struthioniformes, besides the African ostrich, includes Rheiformes, Casuariiformes, and Apterygiformes at the family rank (Rheidae, Casuariidae, Dromaiidae, and Apterygidae).