Biak Scrubfowl vs Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Megapodius geelvinkianus compared with Megapodius reinwardt
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Biak Scrubfowl | Orange-footed Scrubfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megapodius geelvinkianus | Megapodius reinwardt |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodiidae | Megapodiidae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 42.5 cm (16.7 in) | 46.2 cm (18.2 in) |
| Weight | 525.0 g (18.52 oz) | 950.25 g (33.52 oz) |
| Diet | Forages in Biak Island lowland forests for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates scratched from leaf … | Omnivorous; eats fallen fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small vertebrates in Australian and New Guinea coastal … |
| Clutch Size | -- | 12-13 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
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.
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Produces a loud, wailing cackle and deep guttural clucks. The raucous cackling call echoes through Australian and New Guinea coastal scrub; audible far through dense vegetation.
Geographic Range & Migration
Biak Scrubfowl
Endemic to Biak Island and nearby islands in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua. Found in lowland and coastal forest.
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Resident in northern Australia from the Kimberley east to Queensland. Found in monsoon forest and open woodland in the tropics.
Conservation Status
Biak Scrubfowl
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
How to Tell Them Apart
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.
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Dark brownish-grey overall; bare reddish facial skin; small brownish crest; distinctive bright orange legs and feet. Underparts slightly paler grey-brown; tail dark; orange feet immediately identify this species.
About These Birds
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.
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
A large megapode (~950 g) of family Megapodiidae, with striking orange feet and a dark plumage. Found in coastal and savanna forests of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Builds enormous communal mound nests that may reach 4 m high, maintained by multiple birds over many years. Feeds on seeds and invertebrates. Least Concern; widespread in tropical northern Australia.