A study on the breeding biology of the Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis

Abstract

The family Megapodiidae consists of 22 species in seven genera, most of which are island forms occurring in Australia, New Guinea and surrounding islands, eastern Indonesia, the Philippines, Niuafo’ou island, the Palau and Mariana islands and the Nicobar islands. Thirteen of these 22 species are currently threatened by habitat destruction, introduction of predators and over-exploitation of eggs. The megapodes are an unique group of birds as they utilise external sources of heat to incubate their eggs. Megapodes exploit external heat sources in two ways. Some species lay eggs in burrows in geothermally heated soil, or on exposed beach, and are called burrow nesters (e.g. Macrocephalon maleo). Other species construct mounds of sand, soil and decomposing vegetation within which they lay eggs and are called mound nesters (e.g. Megapodius freycinet). The chicks are supra-precocial; they are able to fly soon after emerging from the mound or burrow, and receive no parental care.