Why is this animal unusual?
It has “nasal corns” – little flaps of skin that cover its nostrils. No other bird has them. They probably keep soil out of its nose while it digs for worms.
Why does it look like that?
Ash-grey feathers so pale that locals call it the ghost of the forest, bright orange-red legs and beak, and a long crest it can fan out like a headdress.
Strangest biological feature
Strange blood. It has only about a third as many red blood cells as other birds – but each one carries three times as much oxygen-binding pigment.
Why is it strange?
It has full-sized wings and doesn’t fly. Instead it spreads them to show off bold black-and-white stripes, to impress mates and startle enemies.
Interesting behavioral facts
Pairs sing a loud barking duet at dawn that carries for more than half a mile. Older chicks stay around to help raise their younger siblings.
Records held
The only living member of its entire bird family.
