Micronesian Megapode
NameMicronesian Megapode
Common NameMicronesian Megapode
Scientific NameMegapodius laperouse
FamilyMegapodiidae
Wingspan (cm)60
Length (cm)40.5
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsPredominantly dark sooty-brown to black plumage. The head features a prominent greyish-brown crest. Bare skin on the face and neck, particularly the throat, is reddish. The bill is yellowish-orange, and the legs and feet are bright yellow.
Vocalization / CallProduces loud, far-carrying calls, often described as a series of "kek-kek-kek" notes or a booming "whoop-whoop" call, typically vocalizing at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Micronesian islands, specifically found in Palau and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Identifying FeaturesDark sooty-brown plumage, Prominent greyish crest, Red bare skin on throat/neck, Bright yellow legs and feet, Yellowish-orange bill, Ground-dwelling, Mound-nesting
Description
A medium-sized, dark-plumaged, ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive crest, red bare skin on the neck, and bright yellow legs. It is known for its unique nesting behavior of building large mounds of vegetation and soil to incubate eggs.
