Kagu: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Cranes and Marsh Birds · day 6 of 7

Five facts

1. The kagu has flaps called nasal corns over its nostrils, something no other bird has. They probably keep dirt out while it probes the soil.
2. Its wings are full size but lack the muscles to fly. It still uses them to glide away from danger and to show off.
3. To hunt, it stands still and watches. It may balance on one foot and gently stir the leaves with the other to scare out prey.
4. Parents share their single egg in 24-hour shifts, swapping places around noon each day.
5. Grown-up chicks may stay home for up to six years. They help their parents defend the family territory.

The quiz

1. What feature does the kagu have that no other bird has?

• Teeth on its tongue
• Nasal corns over its nostrils (correct)
• A third eyelid on top of its head
• Feathers on its bill

Its nasal corns, covering the nostrils, are not shared by any other bird.

2. Why can't the kagu really fly?

• Its wings are tiny
• It has no wing feathers
• Its wings lack flight muscles (correct)
• Its legs are too heavy

Its wings are full size but lack the muscles needed for flight.

3. How does a kagu flush prey out of the leaves?

• It gently stirs the leaves with one foot (correct)
• It digs with both feet
• It flaps its wings to blow them away
• It drops pebbles on them

Standing on one foot, it moves the leaf litter with the other.

4. How long is each parent's shift on the egg?

• 1 hour
• One week
• 10 minutes
• 24 hours (correct)

Each parent sits for 24 hours, changing over around noon.

5. How do older kagu offspring help their parents?

• They sit on the eggs
• They help defend the territory (correct)
• They feed the new chicks
• They build the nest alone

They do not incubate or feed chicks, but they help defend the territory.

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