Kagu
Rhynochetos jubatus
The Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a legendary kagu found only in New Caledonia, weighing about 860 g. The kagu or cagou is a crested, long-legged, and bluish-grey bird endemic to the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia.
About the Kagu
The kagu or cagou 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The kagu is a ground-living bird, 55 cm (22 in) in length. The weight can vary considerably by individual and by season, ranging from 700–1,100 g (25–39 oz). Its plumage is unusually bright for a bird of the forest floor; ash-grey and white coloured. Little sexual dimorphism is seen beyond a difference in the amount of barring in the primary feathers. It possesses powder down, which helps keep it dry and insulates it in the extremes of New Caledonia's tropical climate.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Kagu?
- The kagu is a ground-living bird, 55 cm (22 in) in length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Kagu?
- The Kagu is a large sized bird weighing about 860 g.
- Where can you see a Kagu?
- The Kagu is endemic to New Caledonia, which is the only country where it occurs.
- Is the Kagu endangered?
- The Kagu is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Kagu for real
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