Orange-footed Scrubfowl
A species of Scrubfowl Scientific name : Megapodius reinwardt Genus : Scrubfowl
Orange-footed Scrubfowl, A species of Scrubfowl
Botanical name: Megapodius reinwardt
Genus: Scrubfowl
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
The orange-footed scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt) is a small megapode of the family Megapodiidae. This species comprises five subspecies found on many islands in the Lesser Sunda Islands as well as southern New Guinea and northern Australia. It is a terrestrial bird the size of a domestic chicken and dark-coloured with strong orange legs and a pointed crest at the back of the head. It utilises a range of forest and scrub habitats and has colonised many small islands throughout its range. It is prolific in suburban Darwin gardens, where people refer to it as a Bush Chook or Bush Turkey. In general, populations seem to be stable and the conservation status of the species is considered to be of Least Concern. The orange-footed scrubfowl feeds on seeds, fallen fruit and terrestrial invertebrates. As with other megapodes, it nests in large mounds of sand, leaf litter and other debris where the heat generated by the decomposition of organic material serves to incubate the eggs. Construction and maintenance of the mounds, which may reach 4.5 m (15 ft) in height and 9 m (30 ft) in diameter, takes place throughout the year. Some of the subspecies may be treated as full species, such as the Tanimbar scrubfowl (Megapodius tenimberensis), while other subspecies may be considered subspecies of other species (e.g., M. r. buruensis is sometimes considered a subspecies of the dusky megapode). The Kunwinjku of west Arnhem Land know this bird as Kurrkurldanj. 
Size
47 cm
Colors
Brown
Blue
Feeding Habits
Orange-footed Scrubfowl primarily eats seeds, fallen fruits, and terrestrial invertebrates, foraging on the forest floor with its robust legs, often at dawn or dusk. Unique adaptations include strong feet for scratching soil to uncover food.
Habitat
Orange-footed Scrubfowl thrives in a variety of wooded habitats, predominantly occupying rainforests, wooded areas, and swamp forests. This species is adapted to both primary and secondary forests and is not uncommon in clearings or near forest edges. Broader geographical regions where orange-footed Scrubfowl is found include lowland areas, with its presence in elevations reaching up to 1500 meters in certain parts of New Guinea. Furthermore, orange-footed Scrubfowl can be spotted in coastal scrubs and woodlands, including those along dry riverbeds and even on small oceanic islands. Although typically preferring dense forests, orange-footed Scrubfowl has been known to adapt to fragmented habitats and can be located in proximity to human settlements.
Dite type
Omnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Download Picture Bird
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
.jpg){kind=link}