Kagu
The kagu is a unique, medium-sized bird endemic to New Caledonia, characterized by its nearly flightless nature and distinct long, erect crest. First observed by French explorers in 1860, this bird has a striking appearance, with a dull gray body that reveals vibrant patterns of red, black, and white when its wings are displayed. Standing about 22 inches tall and weighing between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, the kagu has noticeable red legs and a curved bill, and it primarily feeds on invertebrates and small vertebrates such as worms, snails, and lizards.
Historically, the kagu faced threats from hunting and habitat destruction, leading to its current limited range of about 60 square miles in New Caledonia's central mountainous regions. Its breeding habits vary, with nesting typically occurring from August to January in the wild, while captive breeding practices can extend into other months. With a lifespan of around 15 years in the wild, kagu have been known to live up to 30 years in captivity.
Due to pressures from invasive species and the exotic pet trade, the kagu is classified as an endangered species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this remarkable bird. As such, the kagu represents both a fascinating aspect of New Caledonia's biodiversity and a symbol of the challenges faced by many unique species worldwide.
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Kagu
The kagu is a medium-sized, nearly flightless bird with a long, erect crest on the top of its head. It was first sighted by the French in 1860. Milliners (hat makers) used to decorate their hats with the kagu's feathers, and other people used to keep the kagu in their aviaries, or large cages or buildings for keeping birds. The kagu is the only member in its family. It is native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific Ocean.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Eurypygiformes
Family: Rhynochetidae
Genus: Rhynochetos
Species: Jubatus
Deep in the upland forests and valleys of New Caledonia's central mountain range lives the kagu. Due to hunting and habitat loss, the kagu now lives in a 60 square mile (130 square kilometer) region. Very little is known about this bird, and what is known has come from studying it in captivity. This chicken-sized bird walks upright and is almost flightless. Because they have heard the kagu call repeatedly at night, many people think that the kagu is nocturnal (active at night) in the wild. In captivity the bird appears to be diurnal (active during the day).
The kagu stands about 22 inches (55 centimeters) tall. It weighs 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 pounds (around one kilogram). When it is standing with its wings folded, the kagu is a dull gray. Very impressive patterns of red, black, and white appear when the kagu opens its wings in display. Another noticeable feature is the erect crest of several feathers on top of the kagu's head. The bare, stocky, long legs and pointed, downward-curving bill are red.
The kagu is carnivorous, meaning it eats meat. Kagus feed on worms, snails, lizards, grasshoppers, and beetles. Dogs, cats, pigs, and rats may prey on the kagu.
In the wild the kagu is believed to mate in the months from August to January. In captivity in Australia the kagu has bred between April and November. The female kagu's single egg is grey with dark brown spots. Once the female lays her egg, the male may help her incubate the egg for 35 to 45 days until it hatches. The young kagu may be dependent on its parents for up to 14 weeks. It is believed the kagu lives 15 years in the wild, but in captivity in warm climates it has lived between 20 and 30 years. Invasive species, habitat loss, and the exotic pet trade have made the kagu an endangered species.
Bibliography
“Kagu.” San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants, 2024, animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/kagu. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Schueman, Lindsey Jean. “Kagu: the Unique Flightless Bird of New Caledonia that Screams.” One Earth, 23 Feb. 2023, www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-kagu. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.