Kagu name "Rhynochetos", and the clade name Rhynochetidae, are derived from the Greek "rhis" meaning nose and "chetos" meaning corn, referring to the corn-shaped flaps over the nostrils. The specific name "jubatus" is derived from the Latin "iabatus" meaning crested. The name kagu is derived from the Melanesian names for the species. The species is variously known as the "kavu" or "kagou" in the Kanak languages, and as the "cagou" in French (also used as an alternative spelling in English). The kagu is a ground-living bird, in length. The weight can vary considerably by individual and by season, ranging from .
Creature type (Dungeons & Dragons) and shambling mounds. Animates generally possess the "construct", "plant" or "undead" keyword. Intelligent undead and plant creatures generally belong to the humanoid or magical beast type rather than the animate type, and the Warforged are humanoids with the living construct keyword rather than animates. The "beast" type encompasses mundane animals, as well as unintelligent monstrous animals, such as basilisks, hydras, owlbears and purple worms, and non-intelligent non-humanoid creatures which do not fit into another category, such as oozes. Intelligent living or undead creatures which are at least roughly humanoid generally belong to the "humanoid" type. Examples include humans, driders, giants,