Kagu
| Kagu | |
|---|---|
CITES Appendix I
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Eurypygiformes |
| Family: | Rhynochetidae |
| Genus: | Rhynochetos |
| Species: | R. jubatus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rhynochetos jubatus Verreaux, J & des Murs, 1860
| |
The kagu or cagou (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a crested, long-legged, and bluish-grey bird endemic to the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. It is the only surviving member of the genus Rhynochetos and family Rhynochetidae, although a second species has been described from the fossil record.
Measuring 55 cm (22 in) in length, it has pale grey plumage and bright red legs. Its nasal corns are a unique feature not shared with any other bird. Almost flightless, it spends its time on or near the ground, where it hunts its invertebrate prey and builds a nest of sticks on the forest floor. Both parents share incubation of a single egg and rearing the chick. It has proven vulnerable to introduced predators and is threatened with extinction.