Sorry folks – this Kiwi did not travel 14,000 Km from NZ to Russia

Sochi : Russia | May 10, 2011 at 6:53 PM PDT

By prabirghose

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This was reported as sensational news – a Kiwi bird was found wandering in a decorative garden near Sochi port in Russia and the whole world presumed that this bird had travelled 14,000 Km all the way from New Zealand to Russia!! Some thought that it was being smuggled into Russia and might have escaped from its cage or been let loose after being denied entry.

However, it has now transpired that it was a case of mistaken identity. It was not a Kiwi after all but a similar looking bird which is common sight in Russia. Kiwis can be aggressive and their kick is powerful – they are known to have killed possums.

Reuben Williams from the Department of Conservation has clarified that the bird is a bittern - it falls in the family of herons and are in the endangered species list. The Australian bitterns are seldom seen during the day – they feed mostly at night on fish, frog and other aquatic life.

prabirghose is based in Nāshik, Maharashtra, India, and is an Anchor for Allvoices.

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