Kagu

The name kagu is derived from the Melanesian names for the species. The species is variously known as the kavu or kagou in the Kanak languages, and as the cagou in French (also used as an alternative spelling in English).

• Singular: kagu, cagou

• Plural: kagu (formal), kagus (informal, obsolete), cagou (formal), cagous (informal, obsolete)

The kagu, which is 55 cm (21+1⁄2 in) long, is a ground-dwelling bird. The weight ranges from 700 to 1,100 g (25 to 39 oz), with significant seasonal and individual variations.  Its ash-grey and white coloration is remarkably brilliant for a forest floor bird. Other from variations in the degree of barring in the main feathers, there is minimal sexual dimorphism. It has powder down, which protects it from the harsh tropical weather of New Caledonia and keeps it dry.  When at rest, the crest is hardly perceptible, but it can be raised and spread out to show off to other species members. It has pale grey plumage and bright red legs.

It has large eyes, positioned so that they give good binocular vision which is helpful in finding prey in the leaf litter and seeing in the gloom of the forest. Its 'nasal corns' are a unique feature not shared with any other bird. These are presumed to prevent particles entering the nostrils when probing in soil during feeding.

They hunt by standing still on the ground or from a high perch and discreetly keeping an eye out for any moving prey. To flush prey, kagu may stand on one foot and use the other foot to gently shift the leaf litter. Once they have discovered their victim, they will either run towards it from where they are watching or approach it and stand over it, poised to attack. The feet of a kagu are not employed to dig or scrape away trash; instead, the bill is utilized if digging is necessary to retrieve the prey.

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The kagu is exclusively carnivorous, feeding on a variety of animals, with annelid worms, snails and lizards being amongst the most important prey items. Also taken are larvae, spiders, centipedes and insects, such as grasshoppers, bugs, and beetles. It's been reported to engage in worm charming in order to bring worms to the surface.

The majority of the diet is obtained from the leaf litter or soil, with other prey items found in vegetation, old logs and rocks. Sometimes kagus will hunt small animals in shallow water. Their hunting technique is to stand motionless on the ground or from an elevated perch, and silently watch for moving prey. They may stand on one foot and gently move the leaf litter with the other foot in order to flush prey. Having located prey they will move towards the prey and stand over it, ready to strike, or make a dash towards the prey from their watching location. If digging is required to obtain the prey this is done with the bill, the feet are not used to dig or scratch away debris.

As a significant soil predator that affects invertebrate populations and aids in soil aeration during feeding, this bird played an ecological significance.

Reproduction

Kagu are very protective of their yearly lands, which range from 10 to 28 hectares (25 to 69 acres). Families consisting of one breeding female and one to three breeding males make up their clan-based social structure. Additionally, male children support their parents' territorial claims.  However, dog assaults have recently caused disruptions to Kagu's social organization.

Non-fraternal polyandrous behavior has been observed in cases when either the breeding male or the female has been murdered. Although it is uncommon in birds, cooperative and unrelated polyandry has been observed in species including Tasmanian nativehens and dunnocks.

• Marriage: Monogamous, often forming long-term pair bonds.

• Breeding season: typically August–January.

• Nest: The kagu had a simple scrape on the ground, this nest often under vegetation or rocks.

• Clutch size: 1 egg (very low reproductive rate).

• Incubation: ~30–35 days, being shared by both parents,

• Chick: This bird was precocial (able to walk shortly after hatching) and it stays with parents for many months.

• Low reproduction makes the species especially vulnerable to population decline.

Although kagu birds don't usually act aggressively, they can be defensive and territorial, particularly when defending their territory or young.

Threats

• Introduced predators (dogs, cats, rats, pigs)

• Habitat loss and fragmentation

• Low reproductive rate

• Road mortality in some regions

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN)

Conservation Efforts

• Predator control programs.

• Protected forest reserves.

• Captive breeding and reintroduction.

• Public education in New Caledonia.

• Anti-poaching enforcement.

• Rescue and rehabilitation centers.

• Awareness campaigns against illegal pet trade.

The kagu is native to New Caledonia's forests and shrublands. It is limited to the Grande Terre main island within that collection of islands. Being a habitat generalist, the kagu can live in a variety of forest types, including drier lowland forests and rain forests, provided there is enough prey. Though not in the poorest, low-prey shrubland of this kind, they can also feed in some of the drier shrubland connected to the island's ultramafic rocks.

• Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant

• Individual Type: Solo

• Population Trend: Decreased

• Population: 250-999

• Locomotion: Terrestrial

• Habitat: Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Warm Ghost Town; Cold Ghost Town; Ruined Skyscraper.

• Earth: 

  • Extant (Resident): New Caledonia

• Berbania/Hirawhassa: 

  • Extant: none

  • Extinct: none

• Reinachos/Ityosel: 

  • Extant: none

  • Extinct: none

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Past and Present Incidents - Individuals

• Terran/Gaian

  • n/a

• Berbanian/Hirawhassan

  • n/a

• Reinachos/Ityoselese

  • n/a

• Delphian/Thatrollwan

  • n/a

• Sawintiran

  • n/a 

• Jotunheim

  • n/a

The Recollections of Queen Arianna - Individuals

• Terran/Gaian

  • n/a

• Berbanian/Hirawhassan

  • n/a

• Reinachos/Ityoselese

  • n/a

• Delphian/Thatrollwan

  • n/a

• Sawintiran

  • n/a

• Jotunheim

  • n/a

See also: none

Coming soon

• Coming soon

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagu

• https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22692211/156666402

• https://a-z-animals.com/animals/kagu/

• https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kagus-rhynochetidae

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320723000344

• https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/bird-quotes

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Kagu-1183524469