The Australian Brush Turkey is a larger type of bird that could be found in eastern Australia. They could be easily spotted by their bright yellow wattle and their bare red head. These animals have many enemies, such as a domestic animals. Adults could feed throughout the day, while chicks only feed mostly during twilight light or pre-dawn light.

 

This species of birds have blue-black feathers and a bare, deep red head. These birds also have strong legs. They also have a yellow throat wattle. But for the northern birds, their wattle is a pale blue. The males’ wattles are a brighter type yellow, while the females’ wattles are a paler, softer color. A male’s wattle is much brighter during nesting season. Both genders of birds are similar in size. In centimeters, this bird will measure up to about 60-70 centimeters. Its wingspan is about 85 centimeters. Their tail is laterally flattened. These birds’ underside is sprinkled with white feathers which are more pronounced to the older birds.

​

These birds could inhabit rainforests. They could also inhabit wet sclerophyll forests as well. But they could be found in drier scrubs too. The Australian Brush Turkey are most common at higher altitudes in the northern parts of their range. In the southern part of their range, they are most common in both mountain and lowland regions. During the winter season, individuals would move to the lowland. Colonies of this species of birds are common in urban environments. Their range extends from eastern Australia, south to the northern suburbs of Sydney,  Queensland, and the Illawarra region of New South Wales. The Australian Brush Turkeys are fairly common these days, but in the 1930s it is said that they were supposedly close to extinction. They are least concerned in Queensland and are ranked low priority for a conservation action under the EHD.

​

This bird could feed on a variety of things in its environment. For example, they could feed on insects, or seeds from fallen fruit, which they get from raking leaf litter or opening a rotten log with their feet. Also, they occasionally feed on ripening fruit among tree branches. A majority of their food is found on the ground. Adult Australian Brush Turkeys feed throughout the day, while the chicks forage for food in the pre-dawn light or twilight light to avoid getting attacked by predators. Some predators of the Australian Brush Turkey would be goannes, domestic cats, as well as dogs, and foxes. These predators mainly threaten the younger birds, because of their vulnerability to the outside environment.

​

In conclusion, the Australian Brush Turkey is a very unique animal. They could feed on a variety of things, such as insects seeds, or fruit. The adult birds of these species are able to feed throughout the day, while the chicks could only feed at certain times to avoid any predators that may threaten them. This bird has many predators that threaten mainly chicks, such as domestic animals. Their appearance makes them easy to be spotted because of their deep red head or their bright yellow wattle. They could live in a variety of places ranging from rainforests to mountainous areas. The Australian Brush Turkey is common these days and they are a low priority for conservation action

 

Author: Camryn D

Date Published: 2/19/14

 

Internet Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Brushturkey

                           http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Alectura-lathami

                             https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/brushturkey.html

​

Photo Credit: JJ Harrison

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alectura_lathami_-_Centenary_Lakes.jpg