Kagu

Description

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,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,as well as rearing the chick.It has proven vulnerable to introduced predators,and is threatened with extinction.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 to 1,100 g (25–39 oz).Its plumage is unusually bright for a bird of the forest floor;ash-grey and white coloured.There is little sexual dimorphism beyond a difference in the amount of barring in the primary feathers.It possesses powder downs which help keep it dry and insulate it in the extremes of New Caledonia's tropical climate.The crest,which is used to display to other members of the species,is barely noticeable when at rest but can be erected and fanned out.It is nearly flightless,using its wings for displays (its primary wing feathers are patterned),and for moving quickly through the forest.It can also use them to glide when fleeing danger.The wings are not reduced in size like some other flightless birds,and have a span of around 77.5 cm (30.5 in),but they lack the musculature for flight.It possesses bright red legs which are long and strong,enabling the bird to travel long distances on foot and run quickly.