Bird guideMalleefowl

The chicks are entirely independent at hatching, digging their way out of the mound and fending for themselves without any parental care.

⚠️Vulnerable
🌿Endemic to Australia
🍃Indigenous: Gnow, Mallee Hen, Native Pheasant, Lowan, Pheasant

At a glance

FamilyMegapodes
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatSemi-arid mallee woodland and shrubland with deep leaf litter and sandy soil suitable for building incubation mounds.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from September to October.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Khristos Nizamis

Range map

Range map

200approx hotspots
7289approx records
3states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

A large, ground-dwelling mound-builder with mottled gray-brown plumage, a small head, and powerful feet adapted for moving soil and leaf litter.

Behavior

It is notable for the large nesting mounds constructed by the males and lack of parental care after the chicks hatch. Breeding Pairs occupy a territory, but usually roost and feed apart; their social is sufficient to allow regular mating during the season and little else.

Regional timing

New South Wales
Peak: October to January1,016 records
South Australia
Peak: September to October2,733 records
Western Australia
Peak: September to October679 records
Victoria
Peak: September to October2,861 records
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