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ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL
Photo: C & D Frith
Wet Tropics Rainforest Life
ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL:
Megapodius reinwardt 40 cm
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The Orange-footed Scrubfowl is one of three
megapodes in Australia. This family
name refers to the robust feet of all species.
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The nest is a large incubator mound that generates
heat through the decay of moist organic material.
Direct solar radiation may also contribute significantly.
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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.
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Eggs are laid when the mound temperature is about
30-35 degrees. This temperature
results from site selection, rather than maintenance of the mound.
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More than one pair may use a mound so it can
produce large numbers of young each season.
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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.
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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.
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Food comprises various items found in leaf litter,
including fallen fruit.
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Scrubfowl
are observed regularly round Chambers Wildlife
Rainforest Lodge and in the
nearby Lake Eacham picnic area.
Additional Information: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
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It has large orange feet, a dark brown body
and a small crest.
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It's calls include gargles and loud double crows, often heard
at night around the rainforest accommodations.
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They are common around Marrdja
and Dubuji boardwalks and easily seen in the Daintree lowlands, especially the Cape Tribulation picnic area.
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