Malleefowl (species: Leipoa ocellata) in Goonoo NP (Gaia Guide)
Leipoa ocellata
Malleefowl


©Dave Curtis: Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)

©Dave Curtis: Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)

©Kerry Raymond: Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata )
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Galliformes
Family Megapodiidae
Genus Leipoa
Species Leipoa ocellata
Status vulnerable

Colours

              

Distinguishing features

Distinguishing features still need to be specified.

Size

  • Up to 60 cm (Length of specimen)

Wingspan

  • Wingspan data is not yet available.

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

It occupies semi-arid mallee scrub on the fringes of the relatively fertile areas of southern Australia, where it is now reduced to three separate populations: the Murray-Murrumbidgee basin, west of Spencer Gulf along the fringes of the Simpson Desert, and the semi-arid fringe of Western Australia's fertile south-west corner. (Wikipedia)

Behaviour

Malleefowl are shy, wary, solitary birds that usually fly only to escape danger or reach a tree to roost in. Although very active, they are seldom seen as they freeze if disturbed, relying on their intricately patterned plumage to render them invisible, or else fade silently and rapidly into the undergrowth (flying away only if surprised or chased). They have many tactics to run away from predators. (Wikipedia)

Web resources

References

  • Simpson, K., N. Day and P. Trusler (2004). Field Guide to Birds of Australia: 7th Edition Penguin Group (Australia), Camberwell, Victoria.