MEGAP0D1D.E. 



359 



SUB-FAMILY 11. 

 Megapodix.e. The Mound-bird^. 



Gen. Charac— Bill moderate and rather weakened, with the Ijasal portion of 

 the culraen depressed, and the apical part rather strong and slightly vaulted, 

 the sides compressed, and the gonys curved upwards or slightly ascending. 



Fig. 145.— the moundbikd. 



(3ff(/apo(liuis.) 



Tlie birds belonging to tlie typical genns (Mega- 

 jxjdius) are found in all tbe islands of tlie Eastern 

 Arcliipelago of Asia and the nor tli- we stern parts of 

 Australia. They are exclusively met with in pairs^ 

 in thick woods in the immediate neighbourhood of 

 the sea ; and if disturbed, very quickly hide amongst 

 the brushwood. They seek their food, which con- 

 sists of fibrous roots, seeds, berries, and insects, on 

 the ground. 



Some species hide their eggs, to the number of a 



