kagu

The rare enigmatic Kagu or Cagou (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a bluish-pearl grey, ground dwelling bird ranging the dense mountain forests and shrubland of New Caledonia. This almost flightless crested, long-legged bird is around 55 cm long, has large patterned wings (77 cm wingspan) which aid balance. The Kagu displays the barred under-wing primary feathers to warn-off predators or to court the female. Special feathers called powder downs make a powder that cleans and waterproofs the Kagu in the rainforests.  Weight varies from 700–1100 g. It has reddish legs and feet, dark red eyes and a long powerful reddish bill, which is narrow and measures about 60 mm. Kagu also has flaps over the nostrils called ‘nasal corns’. These probably protect the nostrils from being blocked by debris and particles when the bird probes soil for food. This is an agile bird that can run fast and travel fair distances over a variety of terrains. Kagu make a range of different sounds – a loud combined rooster crowing-dog barking sound at dawn, with pairs duetting in the early morning. Duets last about 15 minutes and notify their turf. They also cluck quietly and make various soft hissing and rattling calls. The large eyes give excellent vision and combined with the pointed bill, are perfect for probing leaf litter and between rocks in search of larvae, spiders, centipedes, bugs, cockroaches, millipedes, beetles, snails, worms, and lizards.  Kagus nest on the ground sheltered by rocks, live under tree roots or in holes in dirt banks and perch on vines, roots, low-hanging branches or tree trunks. They are monogamous birds, both male and female defend the territory together.  Courtship involves “strutting” behaviour with a fanned crest and cape-like wing movements. During breeding season, the pair produces only one chick, protected by its plumage, nondescript brownish feathers for camouflage in the nest on the dark forest floor. The chick has adult plumage at two to three years old. Parents feed their chick until about 14 weeks of age. Young birds may stay within the parents’ territory for up to 6 years. Kagus are an endangered species threatened with extinction by introduced animals, such as rats and cats, but primarily dogs. The introduced Rusa deer are severely damaging forests and are a major threat to the Kagu’s survival. Forest land is being slowly eroded by mining and fires, and logging provides access for hunters and dogs. Feral pigs occasionally take the Kagu’s eggs. They are hunted by humans for meat and their feathers are highly valued as decoration. With the bird’s endearing character, it is also very popular as a pet. New Caledonian authorities are working to protect the Kagu (their national symbol) and reintroductions have been successfully carried out in a national park where predators are controlled.