Nicobar Scrubfowl
Megapodius nicobariensis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="megapodius-nicobariensis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized megapode (~840 g) of family Megapodiidae, endemic to the Nicobar Islands of India in the eastern Indian Ocean. Inhabits dense coastal and inland forests, burying eggs in communal mounds of soil and leaf litter warmed by solar heat. Omnivorous, foraging for seeds and invertebrates. Vulnerable due to island endemism, habitat clearance, and tsunami impacts.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 45.4 cm | 17.9 in |
| Weight | 843.25 g | 29.74 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Upper parts dark brownish-black; underparts grey-brown, paler on belly; bare reddish facial skin; short upright crest brownish. Legs large, greyish-yellow. One of the darker scrubfowl species.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, India. Found in lowland tropical forest and coastal vegetation.
Diet & Feeding
Forages on the ground in Nicobar Island forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates scratched from soil and litter.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: M.
Clutch Size
2-20
Sound
Song
Emits loud, wailing cackling calls and guttural territorial clucks. The raucous wailing is typical of the genus; calls carry through Nicobar island coastal forest at dawn and dusk.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Megapodiidae (Megapodes) |
| Genus | Megapodius |
| Species | Megapodius nicobariensis |
Distribution
Nicobar Scrubfowl has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nicobar Scrubfowl eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Megapodiidae family