Brush turkey

Brush turkey or Australian brush-turkey (Alectura lathami) is a common, widespread species of megapode found in eastern Australia from Far North Queensland to Illawarra in New South Wales.

Description

The brush turkey is a large bird with black feathers and a distinctive, bright yellow or red neck and head. The males are larger than the females and have a larger, brighter yellow wattle, which can be inflated during mating season.

Habitat and Distribution

Brush turkeys inhabit rainforests and wet schlerophyll forests, but can also be found in well-vegetated suburbs. Their distribution spans from the Kimberley region in Western Australia, across the Top End and down the east coast to the Illawarra region in New South Wales.

Behaviour and Ecology

Brush turkeys are most notable for their remarkable nesting habits. Males build large, mound-like nests out of leaf litter and other plant material, which are used to incubate eggs. The temperature of the nest, which can be adjusted by adding or removing material, is used to control the sex of the offspring.

Conservation

The brush turkey is not considered to be at risk of extinction. However, they can be a nuisance in suburban areas, where they can damage gardens while building their nests.

See Also

• Megapode
• Mound-builder

References

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