Kagu
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Kagus are large flightless birds that can reach up to two feet in height. Males and females both have blueish-gray plumage, orange beaks and legs, and red eyes. During courtship displays and territorial disputes, males display a large crest of feathers above their head. They feed on insects and lizards on the forest floor.
Interesting Fact 1
In 2016, 75 percent of this species’ largest subpopulation was killed by two dogs.
Interesting Fact 2
Breeding pairs establish forest territories, announcing their turf with a variety of calls, including some that sound like barks and hisses.
Interesting Fact 3
These forest-dwelling birds have powder downs—specialized feathers that make powder to help keep the bird clean, waterproof, and insulated.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
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Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
