Moluccan Scrubfowl vs Biak Scrubfowl
Eulipoa wallacei compared with Megapodius geelvinkianus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Moluccan Scrubfowl | Biak Scrubfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eulipoa wallacei | Megapodius geelvinkianus |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodiidae | Megapodiidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 38.6 cm (15.2 in) | 42.5 cm (16.7 in) |
| Weight | 503.3333333333333 g (17.75 oz) | 525.0 g (18.52 oz) |
| Diet | Forages in Moluccan island forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates. Uses strong legs to … | Forages in Biak Island lowland forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates scratched from leaf … |
| Clutch Size | 1 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Moluccan Scrubfowl
Produces a loud, wailing cackle and deep booming territorial calls. The penetrating, wailing screech is startling and carries far across Moluccan secondary forest at night.
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
Moluccan Scrubfowl
Endemic to the Maluku Islands of eastern Indonesia, including Halmahera, Seram, and surrounding islands. Found in lowland and foothill forest.
Biak Scrubfowl
Endemic to Biak Island and nearby islands in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua. Found in lowland and coastal forest.
Conservation Status
Moluccan Scrubfowl
Biak Scrubfowl
How to Tell Them Apart
Moluccan Scrubfowl
Upperparts grey-brown with dark brown barring; underparts pale grey-white; head and neck medium grey with bare pinkish-red facial skin. Tail dark brown; legs and feet large and pale pinkish.
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
Moluccan Scrubfowl
A small megapode (~500 g) of family Megapodiidae, endemic to the Maluku Islands of eastern Indonesia. Inhabits coastal forests and beach-forest edges where volcanic or solar-heated sand provides incubation heat for eggs. Feeds on seeds, fallen fruits, and invertebrates. Vulnerable due to intensive egg collection, coastal habitat loss, and limited island range.
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.