Tongan Scrubfowl
Megapodius pritchardii
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About
A small megapode (~375 g) of family Megapodiidae, restricted to Niuafo'ou Island in the Kingdom of Tonga. Inhabits the island's forest edges and volcanic crater areas, using geothermal heat to incubate communally buried eggs. Feeds on seeds and invertebrates. Vulnerable; entire global population limited to a single small volcanic island with periodic eruption risk.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 35.4 cm | 13.9 in |
| Weight | 376.5 g | 13.28 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dull brownish-grey overall, slightly paler on underparts; bare reddish facial skin around eye; small yellowish crest on crown. Tail short and rounded; no bold patterning.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to Niuafo'ou Island in Tonga. Found in tropical scrub and forest. Critically endangered, with a tiny population on one island.
Diet & Feeding
Forages on Tongan islands for fallen fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small animals in coastal forest and scrub.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: BU. Incubation: 47-67 days.
Clutch Size
12-16
Sound
Song
Emits a loud, cackling wail and guttural territorial calls. Vocalizations poorly known; presumed to produce typical Megapodius scrubfowl cackling-wail calls on Tongan islands.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Megapodiidae (Megapodes) |
| Genus | Megapodius |
| Species | Megapodius pritchardii |
Distribution
Tongan Scrubfowl has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Tongan Scrubfowl eat?
Where does the Tongan Scrubfowl live?
Is the Tongan Scrubfowl endangered?
How does the Tongan Scrubfowl nest?
What does the Tongan Scrubfowl sound like?
How big is the Tongan Scrubfowl?
What order and family does the Tongan Scrubfowl belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Megapodiidae family