The Biak scrubfowl or Biak megapode is a species of bird in the family Megapodiidae. It is found only on the islands of Biak, Mios Korwar, Numfor, Manim and Mios Num in the West Papua region of Indonesia.
Region
Cenderawasih Bay islands, West Papua (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Confined to small islands including Biak, Numfor, Mios Korwar, Manim, and Mios Num. It inhabits lowland evergreen and coastal forest, beach forest, and secondary growth with dense leaf litter. The species also uses forest edges and lightly disturbed habitats near villages if cover remains. Nesting mounds are built in well-drained sandy or loamy soils within shaded forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A mound-building megapode, it incubates eggs using heat from decomposing vegetation instead of body warmth. Chicks hatch fully feathered and independent, capable of flying within hours and receiving no parental care. It is threatened locally by habitat loss and egg-collecting.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may gather around communal nesting mounds. Pairs defend nesting sites and spend long periods scratching leaf litter. No parental care is given after eggs are laid; chicks disperse immediately after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, nasal crowing calls and repeated cackles, especially at dawn and dusk. Duets between pairs are common, carrying far through forest. Alarm calls are harsh and clipped.
