THE KAGU.



In fulfilment of his promise, made in our Magazine

Vol. 3, N.S., p. 2S0, Mr. H. F. Finckh, of Sydney, has kindly

forwarded us three excellent photographs of this most remarkable

bird, one of which has been already reproduced in Emu, IV. pi.

xii. They represent the bird advancing, one foot raised, with

head well up, feathers fluffed out, wings partly expanded, tail

depressed, with the beautiful crest raised and expanded to its full

extent : from the front view the bird looks not unlike a Red

Indian adorned with a coronet of feathers. As we have already

given three figures of the bird, it seems unnecessary to reproduce

any of these photos, most excellent though they be. They are

accompanied by the following interesting notes : “ I was pleased

to notice the remarks on the Kagu in your July Magazine. I

have taken a great interest in this bird, and have had several

in captivity for some years. I have had them lay an egg, and

also hatch a chicken. The Kagu lays one egg in the season, the

chicken hatches in five weeks, unfortunately the life of the

longest living chick was 14 days, the feeding of the chick is the

trouble, but I hope to succeed yet, although eight years have

been without success. I consider the Kagu one of the most

interesting and fascinating birds to keep in captivity, becoming

so tame. It is a great misfortune that these birds have almost

become quite extinct. I am continually in communication with

folks, who live in parts of New Caledonia, where 15 years ago the

Kagu was fairly plentiful, but now it is a great rarity to see, or

even hear of one. As your Magazine remarks, the Kagu eats

insects and meat, cut very small. Of late I have added a few

other birds to their enclosure, which live 011 grain, canary seed,

and cracked corn (maize), and to my surprise my two Kagus have

taken to eat the corn. The} 7 began on a few pieces only, but

now I notice them pick up ten to twelve pieces several times

a day.”


From the above, it seems evident that this fascinating

bird must shortly vanish from our midst. As long ago as 1882

Messrs. F. F. and F. L. C. Fayard remarked : “ In former times



