Sula Megapode
NameSula Megapode
Common NameSula Megapode
Scientific NameMegapodius bernsteinii
FamilyMegapodidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)38.5
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsOverall dark brown plumage, slightly paler on the underparts, with a small, inconspicuous crest on the head. The bare skin around the eye is often reddish, and the legs are distinctly reddish-orange.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a loud, far-carrying series of 'ke-kew-kew-kew' or 'kew-kew-kew-kew-kew' calls, often given at dawn or dusk, sometimes described as a booming or cackling sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Sula Islands and Banggai Islands, located east of Sulawesi in Indonesia, where it inhabits lowland primary and secondary forests.
Identifying Featuresdark brown plumage, small crest, reddish-orange legs, terrestrial habits, endemic to Sula and Banggai Islands
Description
The Sula Megapode is a medium-sized, dark brown ground-dwelling bird endemic to the Sula and Banggai Islands. It is known for its large feet and for building large mound nests for incubation, where eggs are buried and incubated by geothermal heat or decaying vegetation.
