The Melanesian scrubfowl or Melanesian megapode is a megapode species that is endemic to islands within Melanesia. The Melanesian scrubfowl has a unique strategy of egg incubation in which it relies on environmental heat sources. This bird species is culturally important for Indigenous peoples in Melanesia.
Region
Melanesia (Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Islands)
Typical Environment
Found on forested islands and coastal zones across the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands. It frequents lowland rainforests, secondary growth, plantations, and coastal scrub. Nesting often occurs at communal sites on warm volcanic soils or sun-exposed sandy beaches. The species forages mainly on the forest floor, including edges and gardens near villages.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Melanesian scrubfowl, this megapode incubates its eggs using environmental heat from sun-warmed beaches or geothermally heated soils rather than body heat. Chicks hatch fully feathered and can run and fly shortly after emergence, receiving no parental care. Eggs are unusually large and culturally significant as a traditional food in parts of Melanesia. The species is wary and mostly terrestrial, using powerful feet to scratch through leaf litter.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups while foraging on the ground. Breeds in loose colonies at traditional nesting grounds where eggs are buried in warm sand or soil; both sexes attend the site to dig and test temperatures. Chicks are superprecocial and disperse immediately after hatching without parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, harsh cackles and repeated kek-kek series, often given at dawn and dusk. Pairs may exchange duets or alarm calls when disturbed.
