Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Megapodius reinwardt
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<birdfyi-bird slug="megapodius-reinwardt"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large megapode (~950 g) of family Megapodiidae, with striking orange feet and a dark plumage. Found in coastal and savanna forests of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Builds enormous communal mound nests that may reach 4 m high, maintained by multiple birds over many years. Feeds on seeds and invertebrates. Least Concern; widespread in tropical northern Australia.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 46.2 cm | 18.2 in |
| Weight | 950.25 g | 33.52 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark brownish-grey overall; bare reddish facial skin; small brownish crest; distinctive bright orange legs and feet. Underparts slightly paler grey-brown; tail dark; orange feet immediately identify this species.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident in northern Australia from the Kimberley east to Queensland. Found in monsoon forest and open woodland in the tropics.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; eats fallen fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small vertebrates in Australian and New Guinea coastal forests.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: BU,M. Incubation: 70 days.
Clutch Size
12-13
Sound
Song
Produces a loud, wailing cackle and deep guttural clucks. The raucous cackling call echoes through Australian and New Guinea coastal scrub; audible far through dense vegetation.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Megapodiidae (Megapodes) |
| Genus | Megapodius |
| Species | Megapodius reinwardt |
Distribution
Orange-footed Scrubfowl has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Orange-footed Scrubfowl eat?
Where does the Orange-footed Scrubfowl live?
Is the Orange-footed Scrubfowl endangered?
How does the Orange-footed Scrubfowl nest?
What does the Orange-footed Scrubfowl sound like?
How big is the Orange-footed Scrubfowl?
What order and family does the Orange-footed Scrubfowl belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Megapodiidae family