Orange-footed Scrubfowl

Overview

The orange-footed scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt) is a small terrestrial megapode native to many islands in the Lesser Sunda Islands, southern New Guinea, and northern Australia. It belongs to the family Megapodiidae and is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Terrestrial bird the size of a domestic chicken with dark-coloured plumage.
• Distinctive strong orange legs.
• Features a pointed crest at the back of the head.

Habitat

It utilises a range of forest and scrub habitats and has colonised many small islands throughout its range. The species is prolific in suburban gardens in Darwin, where it is commonly known as the bush boiby.

Diet

The orange-footed scrubfowl feeds on seeds, fallen fruit, and terrestrial invertebrates.

Did you know?

Like other megapodes, it relies on the heat generated by the decomposition of organic material in large nesting mounds to incubate its eggs. These mounds may reach 4.5 m in height and 9 m in diameter.