See text Rhynochetos is a genus of ground-dwelling[1] birds in the monotypic family Rhynochetidae.

[5] Adults are about 55 centimetres (22 in) tall with uniform ash-grey plumage with distinct orange-red bills and legs.

[citation needed] Herons can look anatomically similar but can be distinguished by the lack of bare red parts and uniform grey plumage.

[6] Kagus are endemic to the small islands of New Caledonia in the South Pacific, measuring 8,000 square miles.

Dry season fires also contribute to decreasing forest cover and thus further fragmentation of kagu populations.

[5] Kagus forage most of the day for food in the litter layer and in low parts of trees and trunks.

[3] They are generalists, eating a wide variety of prey, from invertebrates such as earthworms, beetles and snails to lizards and small fish.

In wetter seasons, when food is more available, they will spend less of the day foraging and carry out other activities, such as preening.

Some young may remain in their parent's territory for several years, even helping in rearing younger siblings.

[1] Prior to the discovery of the island by Captain James Cook in 1774, there was a healthy population of both species of Rhynochetos.