- Where to see one
- 3 U.S. zoos in our directory hold kagu, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the kagu
The kagu is a crested, long-legged, bluish-grey bird found only in the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. About 55 cm long with pale grey plumage and bright red legs, it is almost flightless and spends its time on or near the ground, hunting worms, snails, lizards and insects in the leaf litter. Families defend year-round territories, and birds often duet in the morning. A pair raises a single chick from one egg, with both parents sharing incubation. It is the only surviving member of its family and is threatened by introduced predators such as dogs, cats and pigs, as well as habitat loss.
Kagu facts
- Its nasal corns are a feature not found in any other bird.
- Parents take turns on the egg in 24-hour shifts, and incubation lasts 33 to 37 days.
- Young birds may stay in their parents' territory for up to six years and help defend it.
- It has been reported to charm worms to the surface, and its closest living relative is the sunbittern.
Where to see kagu in the U.S.
3 zoos across 3 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 3 zoos holding kagu by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
California· 1
Illinois· 1
Ohio· 1
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
