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Tongan Scrubfowl

Megapodius pritchardii

Vulnerable
Envergure
35,4 cm
Poids
376,5 g
Famille
Megapodiidae
Ordre
Galliformes

À propos

A small megapode (~375 g) of family Megapodiidae, restricted to Niuafo'ou Island in the Kingdom of Tonga. Inhabits the island's forest edges and volcanic crater areas, using geothermal heat to incubate communally buried eggs. Feeds on seeds and invertebrates. Vulnerable; entire global population limited to a single small volcanic island with periodic eruption risk.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Envergure 35,4 cm 13.9 in
Poids 376,5 g 13.28 oz

Identification

Plumage

Dull brownish-grey overall, slightly paler on underparts; bare reddish facial skin around eye; small yellowish crest on crown. Tail short and rounded; no bold patterning.

Habitat & Range

Répartition géographique

Endemic to Niuafo'ou Island in Tonga. Found in tropical scrub and forest. Critically endangered, with a tiny population on one island.

Diet & Feeding

Forages on Tongan islands for fallen fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small animals in coastal forest and scrub.

Statut de conservation

Vulnerable
IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: BU. Incubation: 47-67 days.

Taille de la couvée

12-16

Son

Chant

Emits a loud, cackling wail and guttural territorial calls. Vocalizations poorly known; presumed to produce typical Megapodius scrubfowl cackling-wail calls on Tongan islands.

Taxonomie

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordre Galliformes (Gamebirds)
Famille Megapodiidae (Megapodes)
Genus Megapodius
Espèces Megapodius pritchardii

Distribution

Tongan Scrubfowl has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Présent Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Tongan Scrubfowl eat?
Forages on Tongan islands for fallen fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small animals in coastal forest and scrub.
Where does the Tongan Scrubfowl live?
Endemic to Niuafo'ou Island in Tonga. Found in tropical scrub and forest. Critically endangered, with a tiny population on one island.
Is the Tongan Scrubfowl endangered?
The Tongan Scrubfowl has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
How does the Tongan Scrubfowl nest?
Nest type: BU. Incubation: 47-67 days.
What does the Tongan Scrubfowl sound like?
Emits a loud, cackling wail and guttural territorial calls. Vocalizations poorly known; presumed to produce typical Megapodius scrubfowl cackling-wail calls on Tongan islands.
How big is the Tongan Scrubfowl?
The Tongan Scrubfowl has a wingspan of 35.4 cm, weight of 376.5 g.
What order and family does the Tongan Scrubfowl belong to?
The Tongan Scrubfowl (Megapodius pritchardii) belongs to the order Galliformes and the family Megapodiidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Megapodiidae family

Comparer

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