Kagu bird | Facts & Information

Origin

It is the only surviving member of the family Rhynochetidae, although the second largest of the species of the genus Rhynochetos, Kagu de ses – Rhynochetos orarius, has been described from the subfamilies left over from the Holocene.

The isolated biotope and rarity of this species makes its habits not sufficiently known.

Feeding The Kagu Bird

It is exclusively carnivorous, feeding on a variety of animals, worms, snakes and snails being among its favorites.

It also consumes larvae, spiders and insects such as grasshoppers, beetles or carabuses. Sometimes the kagu bird hunts small animals in very shallow waters.

The hunting technique consists of standing still on the ground or perched on a cornice and quietly following the prey, shifting its weight from one foot to the other, and then pouncing on it.

Features Kagu Bird

The pale color of the plumage led the locals to call it the "ghost of the forests". The sexes are apparently similar in appearance, with only a vague sexual dimorphism in the primary plumage.

Affinities with other species are still not clearly established, and Kagu is the most enigmatic bird known.

It has recently been concluded that it has certain affinities with Gruiformes (order to which cranes belong).

At the back of the head the bird has a prominent crest, made up of feathers, which it flaunts from time to time in order to impress.

The legs and beak are orange in color. Kagu is 55cm long and its weight can vary depending on the species and season from 700 to 1100 grams. Its plumage is unusually bright for a forest bird.

Breeding The Kagu Bird

Kagu is a monogamous species, the pairs owning territories of about 10-28 ha. They build a simple nest or can lay the egg directly on the ground.

The nest is not hidden, but is usually located in areas surrounded by vegetation or near tree trunks. Females lay a single, gray, slightly speckled egg weighing 60-75 grams, which will be hatched by both parents.

Each bird "stays close" for 24 hours, changing places with its partner daily around noon. The incubation period is 33-37 days-a fairly long period, taking into account the dimensions of the egg.

Parents are helped to raise their newborn pups by their older pups, who remain in their territory for several years after their wings grow and become able to survive on their own.