The Galliformes, commonly known as the Maleo, is a large, blackish, megapode. A megapode is an incubator bird that has a small head and large body. They are also browsers that eat mostly anything they can find. They are found on tropical islands in Indonesia. They have webbed feet that connect the toes with a rubber like tissue. They also have a football helmet looking crown on their heads known as a casque that helps protect them. They also have tails that are large and bulky. The maleo’s diet includes seeds, fruits, beetles, ants, and sometimes small invertebrates.

       

To mate the male Maleo allows himself to become unique and colorful to attract a female. After mating the female and male then use their mouths to test the sand for the correct temperature and then dig. They then submerge the eggs in the sand and unlike other birds the Maleos leave their eggs and never return. An interesting fact about mating Maleos is that both genders are monogamous. Monogamous means that after the two birds mate they do not separate. They live together and repeat the mating process. They never mate with other birds of the same species.

      

Maleos are primarily found on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Many are kept in zoos. Their height is 21-23 inches. They have larger feet than many birds. Their tails are medium-length and very large.

 

More and more Maleos are are becoming threatened. There are at least 4,000 more left in the world. To be threatened a species must be vulnerable; in this case to predators and hunters. Scientists take pre-buried eggs for testing so most of them do not create chicks. Although, many zoos make sure that these types of animals are well cared for. A congregational bill called the Endangered Species Act or ESA is working on reducing the percentage of threatened and endangered species.

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Maleos are known for their helmet like skulls, large tails, and unique way of reproducing . Although most are found in forests and on beaches some Maleos are in zoos for research. Today Maleos are declining in number but scientists and specialists are working hard to keep their species thriving and multiplying.

 

Author: Mahlon C
Published: 02/2014

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Sources:     

Wikipedia

About.com

 

Photo Credit:

Professional wildlife photographer Kevin Schafer with permission