Which bird has the largest egg in relation to its body size?

Question

Which bird has the largest egg in relation to its body size?

Question #34329. Asked by Siskin.
Last updated Jan 08 2017.

Linus
Answer has 4 votes

Currently Best Answer

Linus
25 year member
319 replies

Answer has 4 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

The kiwi, with an egg that weighs around 15% of the female's body weight.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/kiwi/facts/

Response last updated by nautilator on Jan 08 2017.
May 25 2003, 9:09 PM

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Answer 1

Opinion seems divided between the kiwi and the bee hummingbird. Both produce an egg in the region of a quarter the size of the mother, whereas the largest bird's egg, the ostrich is only about one percent of the mother's body mass.

[sentex.net/~tntcomm/kwfn/eggsize.htm, no longer online]

Answer 2

Trooper2196

Answer has 4 votes

Trooper2196

20 year member
222 replies avatar

Answer has 4 votes.

kiwi

http://www.audubon.org/news/why-kiwis-egg-so-big

Response last updated by CmdrK on Aug 25 2016.
Feb 02 2009, 7:23 AM