Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
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ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL


Photo: C & D Frith
Wet Tropics Rainforest Life

ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL: Megapodius reinwardt 40 cm

  • The Orange-footed Scrubfowl is one of three megapodes in Australia.  This family name refers to the robust feet of all species.

  • The nest is a large incubator mound that generates heat through the decay of moist organic material.  Direct solar radiation may also contribute significantly.

  • A typical mound is 2-3 metres tall and up to 15 metres diameter and can weigh over 50 tonnes, maintained by a pair throughout the year.  It may be used for decades.

  • Eggs are laid when the mound temperature is about 30-35 degrees.  This temperature results from site selection, rather than maintenance of the mound.

  •  More than one pair may use a mound so it can produce large numbers of young each season.

  • The large egg enables the hatching of a relatively advanced chick.  One report of a chick unearthed from a mound states that it immediately flew about 10 metres.

  • Scrubfowl have a peculiar loud territorial call that is uttered mainly during the night.  During the nesting season, it is more frequent and mostly a duet between the male and female.

  •  Food comprises various items found in leaf litter, including fallen fruit.

  • Scrubfowl are observed regularly round Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge and in the nearby Lake Eacham picnic area.

Additional Information: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey

  • It has large orange feet, a dark brown body and a small crest.

  • It's calls include gargles and loud double crows, often heard at night around the rainforest accommodations.

  • They are common around Marrdja and Dubuji boardwalks and easily seen in the Daintree lowlands, especially the Cape Tribulation picnic area.

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Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
PH & Fax: 07 4095 3754 International: 61 7 4095 3754

http://www.rainforest-australia.com/accommodation


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