Photo: JJ Harrison / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Kagu
Rhynochetos jubatus
Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) — Unusual & Unique Birds of Australia & Oceania.
The Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a member of the Rhynochetidae family found in Australia & Oceania. Adults weigh 860 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Endangered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Eurypygiformes
- Family Rhynochetidae Kagu
- Genus Rhynochetos
- Species jubatus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 860 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Rhynochetidae
- Order
- Eurypygiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Kagu is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Kagu is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) belongs to the Rhynochetidae family of the order Eurypygiformes. It occurs naturally across Australia & Oceania. Its distribution covers AU Grande Terre (New Caledonia).
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 860 g, with a wing length of about 26.4 cm and a tail of around 18.4 cm.
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 1,342 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Kagu?
The Kagu is a large bird that weighs around 860 g.
Where does the Kagu live?
The Kagu is found across Australia & Oceania with a range covering AU Grande Terre (New Caledonia), where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Kagu belong to?
The Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) belongs to the Rhynochetidae family, in the order Eurypygiformes.
What does the Kagu eat?
The Kagu is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Kagu migrate?
The Kagu is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Kagu endangered?
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
What sound does the Kagu make?
1 real field recording of the Kagu — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Kagu's range?
The Kagu has a mapped global range of about 1,342 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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