Moluccan Megapode

The Moluccan megapode, also known as Wallace's scrubfowl, Moluccan scrubfowl, or painted megapode, is a distinctive bird of modest size, measuring approximately 31 cm in length. It boasts an olive-brown plumage, with a bluish-grey underside and white undertail coverts. The species exhibits a brown iris, bare pink facial skin, a bluish-yellow bill, and dark olive legs. Notably, its back is adorned with light grey stripes on reddish-maroon feathers. The juvenile of the species can be recognized by its brownish plumage, a black bill, legs, and hazel iris.

Identification Tips

To identify the Moluccan megapode, look for its olive-brown plumage with bluish-grey underparts and white undertail coverts. The bird's bare pink facial skin, bluish-yellow bill, and dark olive legs are also key identification features. The light grey stripes on the reddish-maroon feathers on its back are quite distinctive.

Habitat

This bird is endemic to Indonesia, favoring the hill and mountain forests as its natural habitat.

Distribution

The Moluccan megapode is confined to the Maluku Islands, including Halmahera, Buru, Seram, Ambon, Ternate, Haruku, and Bacan. It is also present on Misool Island in the West Papua province.

Behaviour

Unique among megapodes, the Moluccan megapode is known to lay its eggs under the cover of darkness. The nesting grounds are typically found in areas exposed to the sun, such as beach sands or volcanic soils.

Conservation status

The Moluccan megapode is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This status is due to ongoing habitat loss, its limited range, and overhunting in certain areas.