Abstract
Abstract Invertebrates available to and those eaten by little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) were studied in young and old forest on Kapiti Island from January 1984 to February 1985. Invertebrate availability was estimated by soil sampling, litter sampling, and pitfall trapping. Items eaten by kiwi were determined by faecal analysis and their contribution to the diet was assessed by numbers of individuals and biomass. Significantly more invertebrate food was available and arthropods eaten in the younger forest type. Little spotted kiwi are selective feeders, choosing large (body length ≥8 mm) slow-moving invertebrates from the upper layers of soil. Scarabaeid beetles and their larvae were the most commonly eaten arthropods. Little spotted kiwi feeding behaviour and diet was compared with that of weka (Gallirallus australis) on Kapiti Island; only minimal overlap was identified.
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