| Kagu | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| 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 the family Rhynochetidae,[3] although a second species has been described from the fossil record.
Measuring 55 cm (21+1⁄2 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, as well as rearing the chick. It has proven vulnerable to introduced predators and is threatened with extinction.
- ^ BirdLife International (2019). "Rhynochetos jubatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T22692211A156666402. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T22692211A156666402.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (2023). "Kagu, Sunbittern, tropicbirds, loons, penguins". World Bird List Version 13.1. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 8 April 2023.