Rhynochetidae

views updated May 18 2018

Rhynochetidae (kagu; class Aves, order Gruiformes) A monospecific family (Rhynochetos jubatus) which is a large, grey bird with black, white, and chestnut, barred wings. It has a long, loose crest, a long, sharp, slightly decurved, red bill, and long, red legs with a raised hind toe. It has rounded wings, and a medium-length tail. It is nocturnal, terrestrial, and probably flightless, inhabits forests, feeds on worms, insects, and other animals, and nests on the ground. It is found in New Caledonia.

kagu

views updated May 14 2018

kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) See RHYNOCHETIDAE.