Megapode

Megapodiidae
	Alectura lathami
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Galliformes
Family:	Megapodiidae; Lesson, 1831
Genera
	Megapodius; Macrocephalon; Leipoa; Talegalla; Aepypodius; Alectura;

The megapodes, also known as incubator birds or mound-builders, are stocky, medium-large chicken-like birds with small heads and large feet. They are included in the family of Megapodidae.^[1] They may build a pile of rotting vegetables as an incubator for their eggs.^[2]

Megapode Media

Brushturkeys can often be found in parks or gardens.
Australian brushturkey on its mound
This cross-section of a megapode mound shows a layer of sand (up to 1 m thick) used for insulation, an egg chamber, and a layer of rotting compost. The egg chamber is kept at a constant 33°C by opening and closing air vents in the insulation layer, while heat comes from the compost below.

References

↑ Gaston, Kevin J. (2003). The Structure and Dynamics of Geographic Ranges. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-852641-4.
↑ Recovery Plan for the Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius Laperouse Laperouse). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1. 1998.

[1] Gaston, Kevin J. (2003). The Structure and Dynamics of Geographic Ranges. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-852641-4.

[2] Recovery Plan for the Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius Laperouse Laperouse). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1. 1998.

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