Maleo vs Biak Scrubfowl
Macrocephalon maleo compared with Megapodius geelvinkianus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Maleo | Biak Scrubfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrocephalon maleo | Megapodius geelvinkianus |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodiidae | Megapodiidae |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 58.2 cm (22.9 in) | 42.5 cm (16.7 in) |
| Weight | 1543.75 g (54.45 oz) | 525.0 g (18.52 oz) |
| Diet | Forages in Sulawesi lowland forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates scratched from soil and … | Forages in Biak Island lowland forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates scratched from leaf … |
| Clutch Size | 10 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Maleo
Emits a loud, resonant boom call and deep clucking notes. The male's loud, far-carrying boom echoes across Sulawesi coastal forest; a dramatic sound during pre-dawn megapode activity.
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
Maleo
Endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Found in lowland forest near geothermal areas used for nest incubation. Largely confined to coastal lowlands.
Biak Scrubfowl
Endemic to Biak Island and nearby islands in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua. Found in lowland and coastal forest.
Conservation Status
Maleo
Biak Scrubfowl
How to Tell Them Apart
Maleo
Upperparts black with brownish gloss; underparts white washed salmon-pink on breast and flanks; bare facial skin yellow with rounded black casque on crown. Bill yellowish; legs grey.
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
Maleo
A distinctive megapode (~1.5 kg) of family Megapodiidae, with a black casque on the crown, bare red facial skin, and salmon-tinted underparts. Endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Travels to communal beach or geothermal nesting sites where solar or volcanic heat incubates eggs buried in sand. Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction, egg collection, and hunting.
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.