THE BIRDS OF AUSTEALIA 



The Scrub Fowl. 



Megapodius duperreyi. 

 The Scrub Fowl extends from North Australia through New Guiiiea 

 and the chain of Malayan Islands as far as Wallace's Line. The birds 

 inhabit the densest scrub, near the coast or in the low-lying country on 

 each side of many of the tidal rivers. They are also found m some ot 

 the small scrub-covered islands off the coast, where the want of water 

 does not seem to cause them any inconvenience. They are shy and 

 solitary. If alarmed, they run off at a great rate, take refuge m thick 



Mrs, Ward, Mapoon, Northern Territory. 

 Deserted Nesting Mound of Scrub Hen; MegapodAus (tumulus) duperreyi. 



cover, or fly on to a low branch of a tree. If compelled, they fly heavily 

 away. They roost at night near the tops of the trees, and then frequently 

 utter their double call. They feed on a varied diet of snails, insects, and 

 berries. 



Top of head crested with brown feathers; back of neek and 

 mantle grey, shading into rufescent olive-brown on the middle 

 of the back and the wings; lower back and upper taU-coverts 

 dark chestnut; the tail with twelve feathers, blackish-chestnut. Throat 

 and under-parts smoky-grey; sides and under tail-coverts dull chestnut. 

 Bill reddish-brown with yellow edges; iris, dark brown; legs and feet 

 bright orange, toes dark reddish brown. Total length 14 inches, wing 8.8. 

 tail 3.6, tarsus 2.55. 



