NATIVE BIRDS 201 
to thread its way in the dark. They serve in fact much 
the same purpose as do the so-called ‘“ whiskers” of the 
cat. The bill is long, tapering, and nearly straight. 
The legs are short and stout, and end in four toes, three 
in front and one behind. The two side toes are equal in 
length, the middle toe being considerably longer than 
Fig. 122.—Grey Kiwi. 
either. The hind toe is short and elevated above the 
others. At the end of each toe is a powerful claw which 
the bird uses in scratching. 
There are no large tail and wing feathers as in other 
birds, the whole body being clothed with small feathers, 
whose barbs are disconnected, a circumstance which gives 
the bird the appearance of being covered with hairs. 
