Rare kiwi pukupuku chicks found in New Zealand

Two surprise kiwi pukupuku chicks have been found on mainland New Zealand.

The rare bird was thought to be extinct on the mainland until one was spotted earlier this year, shocking the conservation world.

Since then, conservationists have been monitoring the birds and were surprised when they found two young chicks in a nest.

Ranger Iain Graham says they are less than 200 grams each, and are the "perfect early Christmas present for everyone involved".

Normally rangers do not monitor birds during breeding season, however because these kiwis are so rare, they were keeping a close eye on them.

And it's lucky they did.

Now the the pair have been safely transported to a wildlife reserve "where they can grow and develop in a safe environment", says Ranger Iain.

As the smallest species of kiwi, pukupukus are very vulnerable to predators like stoats, and it can take them 2-3 years to reach a "stoat-safe weight".

By moving the chicks to a safe environment, the rangers hope to boost the kiwi pukupuku population on the mainland further.

Currently it's thought there are only around 2,000 of the birds left.