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New Guinea is a vast island nestled close to the continental landmass of Australia. |
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As we move south and east, to smaller, more distant islands, |
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the wildlife becomes even more unusual. |
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The little-known island of New Caledonia is a small sliver of Australia |
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that was cast adrift over 60 million years ago. |
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It's home to a creature that seems to have evolved quite strangely. |
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It has wings, but it can't fly. |
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It is the kagu. |
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Kagu families stick together, |
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with young from previous years helping to declare the family territory. |
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All intruders are chased away. |
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It's the breeding season, |
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when males rekindle the flame with their life-long partners. |
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It's hard to know what the kagu is related to, |
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a heron, a rail, or maybe a pigeon. |
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Its closest relative may actually be the sunbittern of South America, |
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7,000 miles to the east. |