About Sunbitterns and Kagus

Overview

Eurypygiformes unite two distinctive, largely terrestrial birds of the Neotropics and New Caledonia: the sunbittern (Eurypygidae) of forest streams and the kagu (Rhynochetidae) of New Caledonian forest. Both have broad, barred wings used in startling displays and are solitary, ground-dwelling insectivores. The kagu, flightless and endemic, is critically endangered.

Classification

The order Sunbitterns and Kagus (Latin: EURYPYGIFORMES) comprises 2 families and roughly 2 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Eurypygiformes unite two distinctive, largely terrestrial birds of the Neotropics and New Caledonia: the sunbittern (Eurypygidae) of forest streams and the kagu (Rhynochetidae) of New Caledonian forest.

Notable Families

Kagu, Sunbittern and others.