Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus

The endangered Kagu is a pheasant-sized bird native to the forests of New Caledonia. It is the world's 5th rarest bird on the "Edge" ranking.

Male and female have similar plumage. Basically light grey, it is a startling sight when it raises its long crest and extends its dark grey and white barred wings. Uniquely, it has two nasal lumps on the sides of its orange/red bill.

The wings are used for display rather than flight and the Kagu has suffered the fate of other ground-dwelling birds from the introduction of mammalian predators such as cats, dogs, stoats and rats.

The only living bird in its genus, the Kagu's relationship with other birds is poorly understood but it is said that its closest relative may be the Sun Bittern of South America.