They are a flightless birds endemic to New Zealand. Approximately the size of a domestic chicken, kiwis are by far the smallest living ratites. There are five recognised species, four of which are currently listed as vulnerable, and one of which is near-threatened. The kiwi is recognised as an icon of New Zealand, and the association is so strong that the term Kiwi is used internationally as the colloquial demonym for New Zealanders.