The Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Megapodius reinwardt, is a small megapode of the family Megapodiidae.
This species comprises five subspecies. Some of the subspecies may be treated as full species, such as the Tanimbar Scrubfowl (Megapodius tenimberensis) and Biak Scrubfowl (Megapodius geelvinkianus).
Distribution / Range
They are found on many islands in Wallacea as well as southern New Guinea and northern Australia.
It utilises a range of forest and scrub habitats and has colonised many small islands throughout its range.
In general, populations seem to be stable and the conservation status of the species is considered to be of Least Concern.
Description
It is a terrestrial bird the size of a domestic chicken and dark-colored with strong orange legs and a pointed crest at the back of the head.
Diet / Feeding
The Orange-footed Scrubfowl feeds on seeds, fallen fruit and terrestrial invertebtrates.
Breeding / Nesting
As with other megapodes, it nests in large mounds of sand, leaf litter and other debris where the heat generated by the decomposition of organic material serves to incubate the eggs.
Construction and maintenance of the mounds, which may reach 4.5 m in height and 9 m in diameter, takes place throughout the year.
