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Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
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ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL


Photo: C & D Frith
Wet Tropics Rainforest Life

ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL
Megapodius reinwardt 40 cm

·        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
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tableland
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
PH & Fax: 07 4095 3754 International: 61 7 4095 3754

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