Dusky Scrubfowl vs Micronesian Scrubfowl
Megapodius freycinet compared with Megapodius laperouse
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Dusky Scrubfowl | Micronesian Scrubfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megapodius freycinet | Megapodius laperouse |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodiidae | Megapodiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 42.0 cm (16.5 in) | 33.4 cm (13.1 in) |
| Weight | 644.5 g (22.73 oz) | 337.1666666666667 g (11.89 oz) |
| Diet | Omnivorous ground forager in New Guinea and island forests; eats fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates … | Omnivorous; eats fallen fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small animals in Micronesian island forests and beach … |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Dusky Scrubfowl
Emits a loud, raucous cackling wail and deep clucking. The wailing cackle is characteristic of eastern Melanesian scrubfowl; carries through Maluku forest edges and secondary scrub.
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
Dusky Scrubfowl
Resident across eastern Indonesia from Lombok east through the Banda Sea islands to the Moluccas and western New Guinea. Found in lowland forest.
Micronesian Scrubfowl
Endemic to Palau and the Mariana Islands in Micronesia. Found in lowland forest and scrub on volcanic and limestone islands.
Conservation Status
Dusky Scrubfowl
Micronesian Scrubfowl
How to Tell Them Apart
Dusky Scrubfowl
Dark dusky-brown above and below; bare reddish-orange facial skin prominent around eye; brownish-grey crest small but distinct. Underparts only slightly paler than back; bill yellowish; legs pale.
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
Dusky Scrubfowl
A medium-sized megapode (~645 g) of family Megapodiidae, occurring across the Maluku Islands and western New Guinea. Inhabits coastal and lowland forests, constructing large communal mound nests of soil and organic debris for egg incubation. Forages on fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates. Least Concern with relatively wide distribution across the Wallacea region.
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.