The Tongan megapode is a species of bird in the megapode family, Megapodiidae, currently endemic to Tonga. The species is also known as the Polynesian megapode, and as the Niuafo'ou megapode after the island of Niuafo'ou to which it was restricted for many years. The specific epithet honours British consul William Thomas Pritchard.
Region
South Pacific (Polynesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Tonga archipelago, historically on several islands but long restricted to Niuafo'ou, with reintroductions to nearby volcanic or remote islets. It favors coastal scrub, secondary forest, and forest edges with deep leaf litter for foraging. Nesting sites are typically geothermal areas or sun-warmed sandy soils where eggs can be buried to incubate. It avoids dense interior forest lacking open, warm substrate and is often near village gardens or plantations where foraging is good.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This megapode is unique in using warm volcanic soils and sun-heated sands to incubate its eggs instead of brooding them. Chicks hatch fully feathered and are capable of flight shortly after digging themselves out. Formerly confined to Niuafo'ou, it has also been the focus of translocations within Tonga to bolster its security. The specific epithet honors British consul William Thomas Pritchard.
Eggs of the Malau (Megapodius pritchardii), gathered at Lake Vai Lahi (Niuafoʻou) in 1967.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that prefers running
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Pairs select warm soils or sandy sites for egg burial; the adults do not brood the eggs. Chicks hatch independent and receive no parental care, dispersing quickly from the nest site. Territorial calling and display occur at dawn and dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are harsh clucks, squawks, and cackling notes, often delivered as duets by pairs. Alarm calls are sharp and repeated when disturbed.
