Nicobar megapode

Megapodius nicobariensis

The Nicobar megapode is a ground-dwelling bird native to the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its unique breeding behavior, as it relies on geothermal heat to incubate its eggs. The bird builds large mounds of decaying vegetation, which generate the necessary warmth for the eggs to hatch. The Nicobar megapode is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive brown plumage and a bare red facial skin. It forages in the forest for fruits, seeds, and invertebrates, and its population is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

Habitat: Tropical forests