Niaufoou Scrubfowl (Megapodius pritchardii)

Other Names (World)
Niaufoou Scrubfowl, Niaufoou Megapode, Tongan Megapode, Niuafoou Scrubfowl

Family
Megapodiidae (Megapodes)

Size
38 cm

First Described (Guide)
Gray, 1864

Habitat
Subtropical and tropical lowland moist forest. From sea-level - 50 m.

Range (Guide)

Tonga (B).

Niuafo'ou I (north-western Tonga). Introduced to Tafahi I (north-eastern Tonga), but this population has apparently died out; recently introduced to Late I and Fonualei I (north-central Tonga).

Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.

Population
Estimated population is 680 - 970 (2010) and decreasing.

Status EN
Egg collecting, hunting and predation by feral cats and dogs are the main threats.

For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

Food
Mainly insects, worms. Also small reptiles, seeds, small fruit.

Voice
Three-part whistle 'kway-kwee-krrrr' uttered by male, usually in duet with female 'krrrr'. Both male and female can initiate the duet.

Xeno-Canto Sound Files (more (12)...)

Tongan Megapode (Megapodius pritchardii) [XC63009]
by Huw Lloyd from Hikutemotu, Niuafo'ou Island, Tonga (duet, song)

Tongan Megapode (Megapodius pritchardii) [XC63012]
by Huw Lloyd from Motu Molemole, Vai Lahi Crater Lake, Niuafo'ou Island, Tonga (duet, song)

Subspecies
No subspecies.

Similar Species
Buff-banded Rail (Hypotaenidia philippensis) has bold bars and much longer bill. Immature Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is larger with white undertail-coverts. Feral chickens have prominent tails. Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis) is smaller and darker with red eyes and legs.

References
See References.

Files:

JPG files for Niaufoou Scrubfowl (Megapodius pritchardii) - 10 files

More Information

BirdLife International

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BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

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