Kagu
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The kagu or cagou is a crested, long-legged, and bluish-grey bird endemic to the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. It is the only surviving member of the genus Rhynochetos and the family Rhynochetidae, although a second species has been described from the fossil record.
Kagu
Wood engraving of a pair, by F. J. Gauchard
The sunbittern, a possible closest relative from Central and South America
The kagu possesses 'nasal corns', structures covering its nostrils, which are a feature not shared by any other bird. This bird is a juvenile, lacking the brightly coloured bill of the adult.
New Caledonia
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New Caledonia is a sui generis collectivity of overseas France in the southwest Pacific Ocean, south of Vanuatu, about 1,210 km (750 mi) east of Australia, and 17,000 km (11,000 mi) from Metropolitan France. The archipelago, part of the Melanesia subregion, includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets. The Chesterfield Islands are in the Coral Sea. French people, especially locals, call Grande Terre "Le Caillou". It is one of the European Union's Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), but is not part of the European Union.
Chief King Jacques and his Queen
Jean Lèques during a ceremony honouring U.S. service members who helped ensure the freedom of New Caledonia during World War II
New Caledonia from space
Coral reefs of New Caledonia from ISS, September 9, 2020