Australian Brushturkey
NameAustralian Brushturkey
Common NameAustralian Brushturkey
Scientific NameAlectura lathami
FamilyMegapodiidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)1800
Plumage DetailsAdults have dull black body plumage, a bare red head and neck, and a fan-like tail. Males display a large, bright yellow wattle around their neck, which becomes more prominent during breeding season. Females have a smaller, paler wattle or none at all.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of loud, guttural grunts and cackles, often heard during territorial displays or when disturbed. Males also emit a deep, booming call during the breeding season.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in eastern Australia, from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland south to the Illawarra region in New South Wales. They inhabit rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and increasingly, suburban gardens and parks.
Identifying Featuresbare red head and neck, large yellow wattle (males), dull black body plumage, large, fan-like tail, ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Australian Brushturkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to eastern Australia, known for its distinctive bare red head and neck, and a prominent yellow wattle in males. It is famous for its large nest mounds built from soil and vegetation, which it uses to incubate its eggs.
