Meet an Elaborate Nesting Bird – the Orange-Footed Scrubfowl

Deep within the tropical regions of Northern Australia and New Guinea, a remarkable bird with a penchant for elaborate nesting structures thrives – the Scrubfowl, scientifically known as Megapodius reinwardt. This unique avian species is not only known for its distinctive appearance but also for its incredible nesting habits that set it apart from most other birds.

Scrubfowl

The Orange-Footed Scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt), also known as the orange-footed megapode or simply scrubfowl, is a remarkable bird native to many islands in the Lesser Sunda Islands, as well as southern New Guinea and northern Australia.

Scrubfowl, also known locally as bush turkeys, are one of the three mound-building bird species found in Australia. These birds are particularly common in Darwin and on several islands in the Top End.

Typically found in pairs, Scrubfowl are highly territorial. They spend their days foraging on the forest floor, taking to the air only when disturbed or to roost in trees at night.

Breeding season for Scrubfowl occurs in September and October, with chicks usually emerging from their mounds around November.

In the Northern Territory (NT), Scrubfowl are a protected species, and interference with these birds is prohibited without a permit. This protection ensures their continued presence in the region’s ecosystems.

There are five recognized subspecies of the Orange-Footed Scrubfowl:

• M. r. buruensis (Stresemann, 1914)
• M. r. castanonotus (Mayr, 1938)
• M. r. reinwardt (Dumont, 1823)
• M. r. macgillivrayi (GR Gray, 1862)
• M. r. tumulus (Gould, 1842)
• M. r. yorki (Mathews, 1929)

Some subspecies may be treated as full species, such as the Tanimbar Scrubfowl (Megapodius tenimberensis), while others might be considered subspecies of other species.

Physical Characteristics and Appearance

This terrestrial bird, about the size of a domestic chicken, features dark plumage, strong orange legs, and a pointed crest at the back of its head. The Orange-Footed Scrubfowl thrives in a variety of forest and scrub habitats and has even colonized many small islands within its range. In suburban areas like Darwin, it is affectionately referred to as a bush chook, bush chicken, or bush turkey. The Kunwinjku people of west Arnhem Land know this bird as kurrukurldanj.

The Scrubfowl’s head is adorned with a crest of brown feathers, while the back of the neck and mantle are grey, gradually transitioning into a rufescent olive-brown hue on the middle of the back and wings. The lower back and upper tail-coverts are a rich, dark chestnut color, and the tail itself comprises twelve blackish-chestnut feathers. The throat and underparts of the Scrub Fowl are a smoky-grey, contrasting with the dull chestnut sides and under tail coverts.

One of the most distinctive physical attributes of the Scrubfowl is its large, powerful feet and legs, which are specially adapted for digging. These strong appendages are crucial to the bird’s nesting behavior, allowing them to construct the elaborate mounds for which they are famous. The bill of the Scrubfowl is reddish-brown with yellow edges, while the iris is a deep brown. The legs and feet are a bright orange, with dark reddish-brown toes.

Distribution and Habitat

The Scrubfowl has a relatively wide distribution, ranging from northern Australia to New Guinea and extending to the Malayan Island chain. These birds are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and grasslands. They tend to prefer areas with moist, well-draining soil, which is essential for the construction of their nesting mounds.

Scrubfowl are most commonly found in dense scrub near the coast or in low-lying areas along tidal rivers. They have also been known to inhabit small, scrub-covered islands off the coast, where the lack of fresh water does not seem to hinder their survival. These birds are generally shy and solitary, preferring to keep to themselves. When threatened or alarmed, they will swiftly flee, seeking refuge in dense vegetation or flying onto low tree branches.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

As omnivores, Scrub Fowl have a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. They are known to consume a wide array of food items, such as snails, insects, berries, and other small invertebrates. These birds forage on the ground, as well as in trees and shrubs, constantly searching for their next meal.

Unique Reproductive Behavior and Nesting Mounds

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Scrubfowl is its unique reproductive behavior and the construction of elaborate nesting mounds. Unlike most birds, which incubate their eggs using body heat, Scrub Fowl rely on the heat generated by the decomposition of organic matter within their mounds to incubate their eggs.

The construction of these mounds is a collaborative effort between the male and female Scrubfowl. Using their powerful feet and legs, they dig and gather soil, vegetation, and other organic materials to create a large, mounded structure. These mounds can reach impressive sizes, with some measuring up to 3 meters in diameter and 1.5 meters in height. The largest recorded Scrub Fowl mound contained nearly 9,000 cubic feet of matter, a testament to the birds’ incredible building capabilities.

Once the mound is complete, the female Scrubfowl, also known as a Scrub Hen, will burrow into the mound to a depth of 6 to 60 inches, depending on the specific conditions, to lay her eggs. The eggs are deposited within the mound, where they are incubated by the heat generated by the decomposing vegetation. After approximately 50 days of incubation, the young birds hatch and are able to fend for themselves, quickly learning to fly and forage.

Nesting mounds are typically found in dense scrub and are often located just above the high water mark on beaches. In coastal areas, the mounds are primarily composed of sand, mixed with stones, roots, and sticks. Further inland, earth takes the place of sand in the mound construction. The amount of vegetation incorporated into the mound is carefully regulated to provide the optimal amount of heat required for incubation through the decay process.

Scrubfowl are known to add to their nesting mounds each year, resulting in older mounds growing to impressive sizes, sometimes reaching heights of 10 feet and circumferences of 25 feet at the base. Over time, these mounds can become so densely packed with the roots of encroaching vegetation that the birds are no longer able to work the soil effectively, leading to the abandonment of the mound.

Behavior and Social Structure

Scrubfowl are generally solitary birds, with each pair occupying and defending their own territory. They are known to be fiercely territorial, vigorously defending their nesting mounds from intruders and potential competitors. These birds communicate with one another through a variety of vocalizations, including calls and whistles, which play a key role in their social interactions and territorial defense.

Conservation Status and Threats

Despite some localized threats, the Orange-Footed Scrubfowl is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore Scrubfowl habitats, as well as to raise public awareness about the importance of these fascinating birds. By preserving suitable nesting areas and controlling introduced predators, conservationists hope to ensure the long-term survival of the Scrub Fowl in the wild.

The Scrubfowl is a truly remarkable bird, with its unique appearance, elaborate nesting behavior, and important role in the ecosystems of Australia and New Guinea. This fascinating species has captivated the attention of birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike, thanks to its incredible mound-building abilities and adaptability to various habitats.

As we continue to learn more about the Scrubfowl and the challenges it faces, it is crucial that we work together to protect and conserve this amazing bird and its habitats. By supporting conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, we can help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to marvel at the incredible nesting mounds and witness the fascinating behavior of the Scrubfowl in the wild.

Living Harmoniously with Scrubfowl

Respect Nesting Sites

Scrubfowl build large, communal nesting mounds crucial for their reproduction. These mounds rely on heat from decomposing vegetation to incubate the eggs. It is essential to respect these sites and avoid disturbing them.

Maintain Natural Habitat

These birds thrive in undisturbed forest areas. Preserving their natural habitats and avoiding unnecessary clearing or development ensures they have the space needed to forage, nest, and live.

Keep Pets Controlled

Dogs and cats can threaten scrubfowl, particularly their chicks. Keeping pets controlled and away from known nesting areas helps reduce potential stress or harm to the birds.

Observe from a Distance

Maintaining a respectful distance from these birds allows them to carry out their activities without stress or disturbance. This is particularly important during the breeding season when they are more active in mound building and maintenance.

Avoid Feeding

Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural foraging patterns and diet. It is best to avoid feeding scrubfowl to prevent dependency on human-provided food.

Educational Engagement

Educate yourself and your community about the importance of scrubfowl in the ecosystem. Understanding their role can foster a more positive relationship and promote conservation efforts.

Support Conservation Initiatives

Engage with and support local conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Orange-Footed Scrubfowl and its habitat. Conservation initiatives often include habitat restoration, research, and educational programs.

By respecting these guidelines and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure the survival and well-being of the Orange-Footed Scrubfowl, allowing future generations to witness and appreciate these fascinating birds and their unique nesting behaviors.