Orange-footed Scrubfowl
NameOrange-footed Scrubfowl
Common NameOrange-footed Scrubfowl
Scientific NameMegapodius reinwardt
FamilyMegapodiidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)38.5
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsPlumage is generally dark greyish-brown on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with a reddish-brown back, wings, and tail. It has a small, pointed crest on its head and a yellowish bill. The most striking feature is its bright orange-red legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include loud, far-carrying calls often described as 'kweer-kweer-kweer' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa', typically given at dawn and dusk. They also produce various grunts and clucking sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern Australia, New Guinea, and various islands in Indonesia and East Timor, inhabiting tropical and subtropical lowland forests, monsoon forests, mangroves, and dense scrub.
Identifying FeaturesBright orange-red legs and feet, Small pointed crest, Dark greyish-brown body with reddish-brown back/wings, Ground-dwelling behavior, Mound-nest builder
Description
The Orange-footed Scrubfowl is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird known for its distinctive bright orange-red legs and feet. It forages by scratching through leaf litter for food and is famous for building large mound nests to incubate its eggs.
