How to Draw a Kagu

In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Kagu in 6 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.

The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.

Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.

At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Kagu.

Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.

How to Draw a Kagu - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Draw the head, and make sure to have a beak

Step 3: Draw the body, which is narrow and long.

Interesting Facts about the Kagu

The Kagu is a flightless bird. It is endemic to the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. They live in the forest habitat. The Kagu has grey plumage, and it grows to a length of 55 centimeters. It possesses special feathers that help keep it dry and insulates it in the extreme temperatures. These feathers are called powder downs. This bird is active during the day and sleeps in its nest at night. Each year, a single chick is raised. Kagus eat a variety of invertebrates and small vertebrates. The Kagu can range in weight from 700 to 1,100 grams.

Did you know?

• The Kagu is sometimes called the ‘ghost of the forest’ by island locals.
• Habitat loss is a threat to the Kagu.
• Kagu are easy prey to dogs. Introduced dogs to the island are a major threat to this bird.
• Both parents share in the incubation of their egg, as well as in the rearing of the chick.
• The Kagu is threatened with extinction.

Lesson plan note: Draw a large picture of the Kagu. Make copies and distribute to each child. Have the children use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to color their bird. Write the name of each child on the back of their bird. Then, hang each Kagu on the bulletin board for everyone to see.