Modern Dinosaurs

S01E02 The Kiwi

The Kiwi, a unique bird, defies the norms of avian biology. It can't fly, thrives in darkness, and has more in common with mammals than traditional birds. Since rodents were introduced, this iconic national symbol has been under serious threat. But what led this flightless bird to inhabit remote islands in the ocean? Journeying through Australia’s rainforests to the ancient caves of New Zealand's most rugged landscapes, we uncover how the very traits that contributed to the kiwi’s survival may have also turned into its greatest peril.