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Chambers Wildlife
Rainforest Lodges |
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ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL · The Orange-footed Scrubfowl is one of three
megapodes in Australia. This family
name refers to the robust feet of all species. · The nest is a large incubator mound that generates
heat through the decay of moist organic material.
Direct solar radiation may also contribute significantly. ·
A typical mound is 2-3 metres tall and up to 15
metres diameter and can weigh over 50 tonnes, maintained by a pair throughout the year. It may be used for decades. ·
Eggs are laid when the mound temperature is about
30-35 degrees. This temperature
results from site selection, rather than maintenance of the mound. ·
More than one pair may use a mound so it can
produce large numbers of young each season. ·
The large egg enables the hatching of a relatively
advanced chick. One report of a
chick unearthed from a mound states that it immediately flew about 10 metres. ·
Scrubfowl have a peculiar loud territorial call
that is uttered mainly during the night. During
the nesting season, it is more frequent and mostly a duet between the male and
female. · Food comprises various items found in leaf litter, including fallen fruit. · Scrubfowl are observed regularly round Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge and in the nearby Lake Eacham picnic area. |
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Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges |
