The kagu, aka cagou, is the only surviving member of the genus Rhynochetos and the family Rhynochetidae. However, recent fossil records indicate a possible additional species, the lowland kagu. These birds hail sporadically throughout the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. They face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of farming, mining, quarrying, logging, fires, and mismanaged fire suppression efforts; as well as invasive species, that can bring about predation. The IUCN lists these birds as Endangered. Their population trend is listed as decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Rhynochetos jubatus
Weight: Up to 39 ounces
Length: Up to 21.5 inches
Wingspan: Up to 30.5 inches
Lifespan: Up to 30 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These birds are nearly flightless, using their wings as a display in courting and to aid in their decent to the ground from higher objects.
2.) They are also given the common names of kavu and kagou in the Kanak languages.
3.) The generic name Rhynochetos, and the clade name Rhynochetidae, are both derived from the Greek ῥίς rhis which translates to “nose” and χαίτη khaitē meaning “long hair”, which refers to the long stiff hairs over their nostrils. The specific name jubatus hails from the Latin iubātus which translates to crested.
4.) Recent studies have indicated that the sunbittern is the closest living relative of the kagu.
5.) When their nest is approached by a possible predator, they engage in what is called the ‘broken-wing’ display, a behavior that mimics an injured bird, meant to draw the attention away from their nest.
But wait, there’s more on the kagu!
6.) Their bright red legs which are both long and strong, enable these birds to travel long distances on foot and run very quickly.
7.) They possess large eyes that are positioned so that they give excellent binocular vision which is helpful in finding prey in the leaf litter and seeing through the gloom of the forest.
Did you know…?
There are fewer than 1,000 wild individuals remaining, to date.
8.) Kagus also have ‘nasal corns’, which are structures that cover their nostrils, and are a feature not shared by any other known bird. These are presumed to prevent particles entering the nostrils when probing through the soil during feeding.
9.) Another unique feature of this species is that they have only 1/3 as many red blood cells and 3x more hemoglobin per red blood cell than is typical in birds.
10.) They prefer forest and shrubland habitats.
But wait, there’s still more on the kagu!
11.) These birds have a clan-based social organization, with families comprised of 1 breeding female and up to 3 breeding males.
12.) In recent years, the social organization of these birds has been disrupted due to attacks by dogs. There have been cases where either the breeding male or female have been killed and this has led to non-fraternal polyandrous behavior. This is where the female ends up with 1 or more male partners at the same time.
Did you know…?
It’s been reported that these critters also engage in worm charming in order to bring worms to the surface. This is where they will coax earthworms to the surface, typically using vibrations.
13.) Kagus are territorial and often defend a territory of up to 3,000 square feet.
14.) Annelid worms, snails, lizards, insect larvae, spiders, centipedes, grasshoppers, bugs, and beetles are all on the menu.
15.) These birds are monogamous (mate for life or for extended seasons).
But wait, there’s still a little more on the kagu!
16.) The nest is loosely constructed of a pile of leaves, but sometimes the egg is laid right on the ground, at the base of a tree or shrub.
17.) Females lay a single 2.65 ounce egg that hatches in up to 37 days.
Did you know…?
The species was not discovered by Europeans until the French colonization of New Caledonia in 1852 and they were not formally described until a specimen was taken to the Colonial Exhibition in Paris in 1860.
18.) Both parents rotate incubation duties that take a 24-hour turn.
19.) The kagu’s initial decline was caused by subsistence hunting. These birds were trapped extensively for the European pet trade and for museums as well as zoos until they were finally afforded protection.
20.) Recent research has shown that naturally occurring heavy metals in the soil may be affecting these birds through their food supply. In areas where soil levels of heavy metals were low more eggs were laid and had higher numbers of fledglings, as well as having smaller home-ranges and higher body mass, than those in areas where the soil was heavy-metal rich.
Now a Short Kagu Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: JJ Harrison
