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Alternative name: Micronesian Scrubfowl
- Megapodius laperouse
Identification
Typical megapode, the size of a small chicken with a rather guinea-fowl like stance. Very dark brownish-black except for a pale grey, slightly crested crown and medium dove-grey undertail coverts and vent. Very short, sparse feathering on the 'face' allowing the scarlet skin to show through.
Bare parts :- Bill pale yellow, legs yellow with rather noticable black soles to the feet, eyes yellow.
Voice :- The two populations have somewhat different voices. Both have a single, loud " KEK". Mariana birds call " kek, kek,................. keek, keeeeer, keet", the last note very sharp and brisk. The birds from Belau ( Palau ) go " kek, kek,...... keek, keeep, keer, kyewwww", the last note down-slurred. In both populations pairs duet in a gabbling cackle, rising in pitch ( and volume? )to a peak, then slowly fading.
Distribution
Palau Extremely rare on Babeldoap but 'commoner' on Chelbacheb ( Rock Islands ) from Oreor to Ngeaur. Northern Marianas chain, Sarigan and Saipan.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Thick forest.
Behaviour
Rather secretive, probably due to human predation of both birds and eggs. Builds huge communal nest mounds of rotting vegetation and sand. Old mounds are reasonably 'easy' to find on uninhabited islands in Chelbacheb.
Diet
Omnivorous, eating a large variety of food sources, mainly invertebrates, from the forest floor.
