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
HabitatScarce endemic resident of semi-arid open forest (typically the multi-stemmed
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from September to October.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Khristos Nizamis

Range map

Range map

1007visible hotspots
7285visible 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

Scarce endemic resident of semi-arid open forest (typically the multi-stemmed

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

Western Australia
Peak: September to October666 records
South Australia
Peak: September to October2,720 records
New South Wales
Peak: October to January1,005 records
Victoria
Peak: September to October2,894 records
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