Wattled Brushturkey vs Biak Scrubfowl
Aepypodius arfakianus compared with Megapodius geelvinkianus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Wattled Brushturkey | Biak Scrubfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aepypodius arfakianus | Megapodius geelvinkianus |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodiidae | Megapodiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 53.4 cm (21.0 in) | 42.5 cm (16.7 in) |
| Weight | 1445.0 g (50.97 oz) | 525.0 g (18.52 oz) |
| Diet | Forages in highland New Guinea forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates found in leaf … | Forages in Biak Island lowland forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates scratched from leaf … |
| Clutch Size | 20 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Wattled Brushturkey
Emits deep, resonant booming calls and low, guttural clucking notes. Pairs vocalize with muffled, booming sounds in New Guinea montane forest; generally quiet compared with other megapodes.
Biak Scrubfowl
Produces a loud, wailing cackle and guttural clucks. Calls are consistent with other Pacific Megapodius scrubfowl; heard on Biak and Numfoor islands at dusk and dawn.
Geographic Range & Migration
Wattled Brushturkey
Endemic to the mountains of the Arfak and Tamrau ranges in the Bird's Head Peninsula of New Guinea. Found at 1,000-2,000 m in montane forest.
Biak Scrubfowl
Endemic to Biak Island and nearby islands in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua. Found in lowland and coastal forest.
Conservation Status
Wattled Brushturkey
Biak Scrubfowl
How to Tell Them Apart
Wattled Brushturkey
Plumage is dark blackish-brown overall with slight gloss; bare facial skin red with pendulous yellowish wattles at sides of neck. Underparts slightly paler brown; no wing markings.
Biak Scrubfowl
Dull brownish with darker brown upperparts; bare reddish periorbital skin; small pale crest on forecrown; underparts grey-buff. Similar to Dusky Scrubfowl but restricted to Biak Island, with slightly paler flanks.
About These Birds
Wattled Brushturkey
A medium-sized megapode (~1.4 kg) of family Megapodiidae, with a bare red head adorned with yellow and red wattles. Endemic to montane rainforests of New Guinea, occurring from 900 to 2700 m elevation. Builds large mound nests using forest litter for egg incubation. Feeds on seeds and invertebrates. Least Concern with stable populations in remote forests.
Biak Scrubfowl
A medium-sized megapode (~525 g) of family Megapodiidae, endemic to the Biak-Supiori island group in Geelvink Bay, West Papua, Indonesia. Inhabits lowland forests and coastal vegetation. Builds mound nests warmed by solar heat for egg incubation. Forages for seeds and invertebrates. Near Threatened due to its very restricted island range and ongoing deforestation.