This Orange-footed Scrubfowl, that I photographed at the Cairns Botanical Gardens, feeds on seeds,
fallen fruit and terrestrial invertebrates. As with other megapodes, it nests
in large mounds of sand, leaf litter and other debris where the heat generated
by the decomposition of organic material serves to incubate the eggs.
Construction and maintenance of the mounds, which may reach 4.5 m
(15 ft) in height and 9 m (30 ft) in diameter, takes place
throughout the year. The finale shot of the leaf mound has been used for the past 17 years.
I am
linking to SATURDAY CRITTERS.
I appreciate your
visit and comments.
I hope you
enjoyed this post today.
Thanks for sharing it--- So many interesting critters in Oz.
ReplyDeleteThat's an impressive leaf mound - and has obviously served generations well.
ReplyDeleteHello Margaret,
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and bird sighting, those orange feet do stand out. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Love those orange legs.
ReplyDeleteThat's a bird most of us will never see! How interesting! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking bird, one I never knew about before your photos. Thanks, Margaret.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange looking bird, new to me!
ReplyDeleteFascinating!
ReplyDeleteNot the cutest kid on the block, but the size of that nesting mound is amazing.
ReplyDelete