Malleefowl

Leipoa ocellata

Vulnerable

The Malleefowl is a stocky Australian megapode of semi-arid mallee scrub and woodland. It is famous for large nesting mounds maintained by males, but has declined through habitat loss, altered fire regimes, drought, and introduced predators. Fun fact: Male Malleefowl test mound temperature with their bill and adjust the mound like a living thermostat.

Family

Megapodiidae

Group

Megapodes

Range

Malleefowl Range — Fragmented mallee scrub range across southern mainland Australia

Population

≈ 20K–30K

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