Paper Plate Kiwi Craft and Kiwi Facts

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Are you looking for a fun and easy kiwi craft project to do with your kids? Need something that will keep them entertained on a cold winter’s day or during summer school holidays? We’ve got just the activity for you – why not create this adorable paper plate kiwi bird craft!

Not only is this paper plate craft super simple, but it is also an excellent way to explore NZ culture with your little ones. All it takes is a few basic supplies such as paper plates, wool and glue, plus some adult supervision and creativity from the entire family. So grab your art supplies and let’s get started!

What Is a Kiwi Bird?

We all know the kiwi bird is an iconic symbol of New Zealand and a national icon, but what exactly is a kiwi?

What Does a Kiwi Bird Look Like?

In terms of physical appearance, kiwi birds are small brown flightless birds with long beaks, short wings and stout legs. They weigh between one to three kilograms and have a lifespan of around 50 to 65 years.

Kiwi birds are also unique in that they have a very strong sense of smell and poor eyesight, so they’re nocturnal animals and active during the night time. They have an omnivorous diet which includes small insects as well as fruits and seeds – perfect for our kiw

Where Are Kiwi Birds From?

Kiwi birds are endemic to New Zealand, which means they can only be found in the wild in this country. There are five recognized species of kiwi bird in NZ – the North Island brown kiwi, South Island brown kiwi, Tokoeka (great spotted kiwi), Rowi (okarito kiwi) and Haast tokoeka (southern brown kiwi).

Supplies Needed for This Kiwi Craft

Materials Needed For The Paper Plate Kiwi Bird Craft

• Paper Plate
• Paint Brush
• Brown Paint
• Scissors
• Grey Paper
• Brown Wool
• Popsicle Stick
• Glue Gun
• Black Pen

How to Make This Kiwi Craft

Here are the step-by-step instructions to create this Kiwi bird craft.

Step One: Draw Kiwi Bird Shape

Using the photo as a guide draw the shape of your kiwi bird onto the paper plate. Cut out the kiwi bird shape.

Step Two: Paint the Kiwi Bird Brown

Using a paint brush paint the paper plate brown all over. Turn on the glue gun and add prepare to glue the kiwi hair.

Step Three: Cut Out Wool Strips for Kiwi Bird

Glue a layer of wool to the Kiwi bird and work your way up the paper plate until it is completely covered.

Step Four: Add Eyes to Your Kiwi Bird

Cut out and glue two eyes to the kiwi craft.

Step Five: Make a Kiwi Beak

Create a kiwi beak using a brown popsicle stick and glue to the paper plate kiwi bird.

Step Six Display Your Kiwi Bird

Your Kiwi Bird Craft is now ready to display.

Enjoy Your Paper Plate Bird Craft

This is a fun and easy craft to make with your kids that will not only get their creative juices flowing but also teach them about NZ’s national bird –the kiwi bird. So, have fun making this super cute paper plate kiwi bird craft!

More Kiwi Bird Facts

Here are some more facts, questions and answers about the Kiwi bird.

Are Kiwi Birds Extinct?

No, Kiwi birds are not extinct. However, they are considered to be “at risk” and their populations are declining due to predation by invasive species such as cats, stoats, ferrets and dogs, as well as habitat destruction.

Where Do Kiwi Birds Live?

So where does the kiwi bird live? Kiwi birds are most commonly found in forests, grasslands and scrubland. However, they can also be seen in coastal areas such as beaches and estuaries.

Are Kiwi Birds Endangered?

Yes, all species of kiwi birds are considered endangered with some even classified as critically endangered. Therefore, we must take action to protect these amazing birds from further decline.

How Big Are Kiwi Birds?

Kiwi birds are small to medium-sized birds, measuring around 25–35 centimetres tall and weighing between 1-3 kilograms.

What Do Kiwi Birds Eat?

Kiwi birds are omnivores and enjoy a variety of food including small insects, fruits and seeds. They also have a strong sense of smell which helps them find their food in the dark.

Is a Kiwi a Bird?

Yes, a kiwi is a bird! It is an iconic symbol of New Zealand and a national icon.

Do Kiwi Birds Have Wings?

No, kiwi birds do not have wings. They are flightless birds and rely on their strong legs to get around. They also have poor eyesight which is why they’re active at night time.

Can Kiwi Birds Fly?

No, kiwi birds cannot fly.

Why Can’t Kiwi Birds Fly?

Kiwi birds cannot fly because they have no wings.

What Color Are Kiwi Birds?

Kiwi birds are usually brownish or grey in colour with dark red eyes and short beaks. However, the Grea Spotted Kiwi (also known as the Tokoeka) is different and has a white face with black, grey and brown plumage.

Do Kiwi Birds Lay Eggs?

Yes, kiwi birds lay eggs. They usually lay one large egg per clutch, but some species may lay up to 3 eggs!

How Many Kiwi Birds Are Left?

It is estimated that there are around 68,000 kiwi birds left in the wild.

What Is the Lifespan of a Kiwi Bird?

The average lifespan of a kiwi bird is 10-20 years when living in the wild, however, some species have been known to reach up to 30 years of age.

Are Kiwi Birds Nocturnal?

Yes, kiwi birds are nocturnal which means they are active and hunt for food at night. They also have poor eyesight which is why they rely on their strong sense of smell to find prey in the dark.

Do Kiwis Speak?

No, kiwis do not speak. They make various vocalizations such as growls and chirps which are thought to help them communicate with each other.

What Do Kiwis Symbolize?

Kiwis symbolize courage and strength due to their ability to survive despite the tough environment they live in. They are also a symbol of the unique wildlife and biodiversity that can be found in New Zealand.

Enjoy This Fun Paper Plate Kiwi Craft

Now that you have learnt more about this amazing bird, why not make your very own paper plate kiwi craft? All you need is a few basic supplies and some imagination. Making this craft is simple and fun for everyone!

Enjoy More Paper Plate Crafts

Did you enjoy this paper plate bird craft? Here are some more fun paper craft ideas to enjoy:

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