Melanesian Megapode
Megapodius eremita
LCLeast Concern
- Family
- Megapodes (Megapodiidae)
- Order
- Galliformes
Overview
The Melanesian scrubfowl or Melanesian megapode (Megapodius eremita) is a megapode species that is endemic to islands within Melanesia. The Melanesian scrubfowl has a unique strategy of egg incubation in which it relies on environmental heat sources. This bird species is culturally important for Indigenous peoples in Melanesia.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Karkar (northeast of New Guinea), Bismarck Archipelago including Admiralty Islands, and Solomon Islands (except Rennell and Temotu).
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Continents
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Melanesian megapode
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
Keep exploring
Related birds
LC
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Megapodius reinwardt
LC
Black-billed Brushturkey
Talegalla fuscirostris
Endemic to New Guinea (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea)
LC
Vanuatu Megapode
Megapodius layardi
Endemic to Vanuatu
LC
New Guinea Scrubfowl
Megapodius decollatus
Endemic to New Guinea (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea)