Philippine Megapode

Overview

The Philippine megapode, also known as the Philippine scrubfowl, is a species of megapode found in the Philippines, northeastern Borneo, and Sulawesi. It inhabits diverse natural habitats including tropical dry and moist forests, as well as small islands.

Identification

• Lighter brown plumage and legs compared to the dusky megapode.
• Prominent red facial skin.

Habitat

The species occupies forested zones of hills and mountains, beach forest, coastal scrub, small islands, and even agricultural areas. It has a wide range of natural habitats which include tropical dry forest, tropical moist lowland forest, and tropical moist montane forest.

Diet

Feeds on insects, mostly larvae, beetles, termites, worms and snails. Also known to eat fallen fruits and seeds.

Did you know?

Breeding seasons vary by subspecies, with some populations breeding year-round in Sabah while others follow specific seasonal windows in Sulawesi and Palawan. Nesting habits also differ, as the species is mostly a ground nester across its range but becomes a burrow nester in Palawan, Negros, and Panay.