Micronesian Megapode
Megapodius laperouse
A plump, mostly ground-dwelling bird with long yellowish legs, a dark blackish body, a tall light gray crest, a yellow bill, and a blood-red neck. Found in most habitats across the islands in its range, seemingly very adaptable. Local movements between islands frequently recorded. A loud species that calls often, most commonly giving a high-pitched squeaky “KEEK... KEEK KEEK” with a pause between the first and second notes. Unmistakable.
识别特征
The Micronesian megapode is a stocky medium-sized bird that is mostly dark brownish-black in appearance. Its head is paler than its body, and it has a pale grey crest, a yellow bill, and large dull-yellow legs and feet.<p>It is 38 cm. Medium-sized, dark megapode with paler head. Mostly brownish-black with short pale grey crest. Yellow bill, red facial skin showing through thin feathers. Unusually large, dingy yellow legs and feet. Similar species. Could be confused with dark morphs of Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (or feral domestic stock).<p>Its call is a loud "keek", song often a duet with one bird beginning a rising and accelerating "keek-keek-keek-keek"- etc. culminating in a loud "kee-keer-kew" (Palau) or "keek-keer-keet" (Marianas), the other answering with a rising cackle that slows near the end. .<p>The Micronesian scrubfowl (Megapodius laperouse) is named after the French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse.
分类信息
Genus: Megapodius; Family: Megapodiidae; Order: Galliformes.
- 学名
- Megapodius laperouse
- 命名信息
- Gaimard, 1823
- 目
- Galliformes
- 科
- Megapodiidae
- 属
- Megapodius
分布与栖息地
The bird is still to be found in the Marianas. It was previously recorded on the islands of Asuncion, Agrihan, Pagan, Aguijan and Alamagan. A remnant population of a few birds may persist on Saipan and Tinian, and it is extinct on Rota and Guam. Small groups of the birds frequent the thickets and scrublands of low outlying islands in the region; however, when present on larger islands, they may also be found inland on higher ground.<p>Its habitat is thick forest and it is omnivorous, eating a large variety of foods from the forest floor.
- 迁徙
- Resident species
行为
Migration pattern: Resident species.
保护状况
The species is currently classified as near threatened because it has a very small range, restricted to isolated undisturbed offshore islets. Megapodius laperouse occurs on Palau and the Northern Mariana Islands, and is extirpated from Guam.<p>The introduction of dogs, cats, pigs, and rats is believed to have led to the decline of this species throughout most of the islands. Along with increased predation, during the Japanese occupation of the islands of Saipan and Tinian, most of the vegetation of both islands was burnt and replaced by large sugar cane farms.<p>It is estimated that only 2000–2500 of the species remain. It can be found in the island nation of Palau, and undisturbed islands of the Northern Marianas chain, with several hundred on Sarigan. Reportedly, a small population has recently been reintroduced on Saipan.<p>The bird appears on the 2010 IUCN Red List Category (as evaluated by BirdLife International - the official Red List Authority for birds for IUCN). The species qualifies as "Endangered" because it has a very small range, restricted to isolated undisturbed offshore islets, with few birds elsewhere. Given the multiple threats across its range, it is likely to be suffering from a continuing decline.<p>It seems that the only way for the species to be safe is to protect a few small islands and release a small population of megapodes there. That way, a safe population is secured. On the larger and higher islands, an increase of people and introduced pests will sooner or later destroy any megapode populations.
- 种群趋势
- unknown
照片
分布
其他鸟类
Cassin's Sparrow
Peucaea cassinii
Dull sparrow lacking distinctive patterns. Found in grasslands with scattered bushes. Generally grayish-brown with barely noticeable blurry streaks on breast and sides, thin white eyering, and pale edges on wing feathers. Back is patterned with rufous and black. Very diffuse head pattern. Most similar to Botteri's Sparrow; where range overlaps, look for Cassin's smaller bill, thin white eyering, and voice. Gives a pleasant musical song; a few varied notes followed by four whistles on different pitches "see-soo, see-say."
Bay Woodpecker
Blythipicus pyrrhotis
A medium-sized woodpecker of dense forests, often encountered only through its song, which sounds like maniacal descending laughter; also gives a loud, high-pitched grating chatter. Bright rufous overall, with black banding on the wings and tail, a paler brown head, and a long, bright yellow bill. Only the male has a red patch on the back of the head. May appear dark brown from a distance or when shaded, but often flashes bright orange when in flight. Drums infrequently, if at all.
Green Junglefowl
Gallus varius
Fancy-looking “chicken” endemic to Java and the Lesser Sundas, from Bali east to Alor. Also introduced to the Cocos Islands. Dark, iridescent male is distinctive, with dark-centered orange and yellow feathers on the back and wings. Also note his bright blue-and pink comb and large red wattle. Female is dull brown with dark spotting, and also has a blackish tail and pale pinkish face; compare with female Red Junglefowl, which is warmer-colored overall, with more orangeish tones. Inhabits open forests, forest edges, and scrub from lowlands into foothills. Scratches about on the ground singly, or in small groups. Gives an incredibly hoarse crow: “krewwarewwah!”
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