The Philippine megapode, also known as the Philippine scrubfowl or the Tabon scrubfowl, is a species of bird in the family Megapodiidae. It is found in the Philippines, northeastern Borneo, and Sulawesi. It has a wide range of natural habitats which include tropical dry forest, tropical moist lowland forest, tropical moist montane forest and small islands. The species was named after the collector Hugh Cuming.
Region
Maritime Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Philippines, and extends to parts of northeastern Borneo and nearby Indonesian islands including areas around Sulawesi. It inhabits tropical dry and moist lowland forest, secondary growth, scrub, and forest edges, and is frequent on small offshore islands. Nesting sites are typically sandy beaches, dune systems, or volcanic/geothermally warmed soils where heat can penetrate deep burrows or mounds. It also forages in mangrove margins and coastal thickets. Human-altered edges and plantations may be used if cover remains and suitable nesting substrate is nearby.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Tabon scrubfowl, this megapode incubates its eggs in warm sand or decomposing vegetation instead of brooding them. The eggs are proportionally large and rich in yolk, and the chicks hatch fully feathered and independent, capable of flying shortly after emergence. It often nests on beaches, islets, or volcanic soils where natural heat aids incubation.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups, foraging quietly on the forest floor. Both sexes participate in digging and maintaining nesting burrows or mounds where eggs are buried. Chicks hatch fully developed and receive no parental care after emergence. Territorial displays include loud calls at dawn and dusk near nesting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh cackles and accelerating series of clucks, often given as duets. Calls carry well through coastal forest and are most frequent at first light and evening.
