Nicobar Megapode
Megapodius nicobariensis
The Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis) is a legendary megapod found only in India, weighing about 837 g. The Nicobar megapode or Nicobar scrubfowl is a megapode endemic to the Nicobar Islands of India.
About the Nicobar Megapode
The Nicobar megapode or Nicobar scrubfowl is a megapode endemic to the Nicobar Islands of India. Like other megapodes, it builds a large mound nest of soil and vegetation, with the eggs incubated by the heat produced by decomposition. Newly hatched chicks climb out of the loose soil of the mound and, being fully feathered, are capable of flight. The Nicobar Islands lie on the western edge of the megapode distribution, well separated from the nearest ranges of other megapode species. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami reduced the global population by an estimated 66–75% and completely submerged Megapode Island; the species is now considered globally Vulnerable under IUCN criteria A1bc; D1, with a…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Megapodes are so named for their large feet, and like others in the group this species is fowl-like with dark brown plumage, a short tail and large feet and claws. The tarsus is bare with the hind toe situated on the same level as the front toes, unlike those of other Galliform birds, enabling them to grasp objects better than other game birds. The tarsus has broad flat strip-like scales on the front. The tail is short with twelve feathers. The head is more grey with a rufous crest and bare reddish facial skin.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Nicobar Megapode?
- Megapodes are so named for their large feet, and like others in the group this species is fowl-like with dark brown plumage, a short tail and large feet and claws. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Nicobar Megapode?
- The Nicobar Megapode is a large sized bird weighing about 837 g.
- Where can you see a Nicobar Megapode?
- The Nicobar Megapode is endemic to India, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Nicobar Megapode?
- The Nicobar Megapode is most easily confused with the Biak Scrubfowl, the Vanuatu Megapode and the New Guinea Scrubfowl.
- Is the Nicobar Megapode endangered?
- The Nicobar Megapode is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Nicobar Megapode for real
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