Maleo vs Micronesian Scrubfowl
Macrocephalon maleo compared with Megapodius laperouse
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Maleo | Micronesian Scrubfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrocephalon maleo | Megapodius laperouse |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodiidae | Megapodiidae |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 58.2 cm (22.9 in) | 33.4 cm (13.1 in) |
| Weight | 1543.75 g (54.45 oz) | 337.1666666666667 g (11.89 oz) |
| Diet | Forages in Sulawesi lowland forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates scratched from soil and … | Omnivorous; eats fallen fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small animals in Micronesian island forests and beach … |
| 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.
Micronesian Scrubfowl
Produces a loud, raucous cackling call and guttural clucking notes. The wailing, repetitive cackle is the standard Megapodius call; echoes through Micronesian island forest at dusk.
Geographic Range & Migration
Maleo
Endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Found in lowland forest near geothermal areas used for nest incubation. Largely confined to coastal lowlands.
Micronesian Scrubfowl
Endemic to Palau and the Mariana Islands in Micronesia. Found in lowland forest and scrub on volcanic and limestone islands.
Conservation Status
Maleo
Micronesian 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.
Micronesian Scrubfowl
Brownish-grey throughout, slightly darker on upperparts; bare facial skin pinkish-red; small pale yellowish-brown crest on forecrown. Underparts paler buff-grey; legs large and yellowish.
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.
Micronesian Scrubfowl
A small megapode (~340 g) of family Megapodiidae, occurring on the Mariana and Palau Islands of Micronesia. Inhabits coastal and interior forests, burying eggs in warm sand or volcanic soil for solar incubation. Feeds on seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. Near Threatened; populations reduced by habitat loss, introduced predators (rats and pigs), and historically by collection.