Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Scientific Name: Megapodius reinwardt
Size: 40 to 60 cm
What does it look like?
This large, mainly terrestrial bird is easily identified by its bright orange legs and feet, brown back and wings, and dark slate grey head, neck and underparts. The head has a small brown crest. The Orange-footed Scrubfowl calls consist of a combination of loud clucks and screams.
Where is it found?
It inhabits rainforests and dense vine forests, where individuals defend exclusive feeding territories, although several pairs may use the same incubation mound.
What are its habitats & habits?
Although it is the smallest of the megapodes found in Australia, the Orange-footed Scrubfowl builds the largest incubation mound, up to three metres high and seven metres wide. The mound is used to incubate the eggs that are laid beneath the rotting vegetable matter and, after hatching, the newborn chicks must fend for themselves.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
