Kagu in exhibit
Scientific Name
Rhynochetos jubatus
Class
Aves
Order
Gruiformes
Range
New Caledonia
Habitat
Forests
Estimated Wild Population
Less than 1,000
Kagu in exhibit Endangered Status Graph - Endangered Endangered Status Graph - Endangered

More Information

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.

Did You Know?

In 2016, 75 percent of this species’ largest subpopulation was killed by two dogs.

Breeding pairs establish forest territories, announcing their turf with a variety of calls, including some that sound like barks and hisses.

These forest-dwelling birds have powder downs—specialized feathers that make powder to help keep the bird clean, waterproof, and insulated.

Animal Care staff working with seal

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.

Learn More

Support Your Zoo

Two Chilean flamingos in exhibit

Animals Depend On People Too

When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.

Adopt an Animal

Asian small-clawed otter in exhibit

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.

Browse the Wish List

African penguin eating a fish

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.

Take Action

00:00
00:00
Empty Playlist