Vanuatu Megapode

Megapodius layardi

Vanuatu Megapode (Megapodius layardi) — Gamebirds of Australia & Oceania.

The Vanuatu Megapode (Megapodius layardi) is a member of the Megapodiidae family found in Australia & Oceania. Adults weigh 769 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

LC Least Concern

Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Galliformes
Family Megapodiidae Megapodes
Genus Megapodius
Species layardi

Where it lives

Torres Is. to Efate (north to south-central Vanuatu)

Australia & Oceania

Quick facts

Weight: 769 g
Diet: Omnivores
Family: Megapodiidae
Order: Galliformes
Habitat: Woodland

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Vanuatu Megapode is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.

Behaviour

A bird of dense forest, it forages mainly on the ground.

Migration

The Vanuatu Megapode is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

The Vanuatu Megapode (Megapodius layardi) is a species of bird in the Megapodiidae family, part of the order Galliformes. It occurs naturally across Australia & Oceania. Its distribution covers AU Torres Is. to Efate (n to sc Vanuatu).

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 769 g, with a wing length of about 23.6 cm and a tail of around 8.2 cm.

The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 6,452 km² — a relatively restricted global range.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Vanuatu Megapode?

The Vanuatu Megapode is a large bird that weighs around 769 g.

Where does the Vanuatu Megapode live?

The Vanuatu Megapode is found across Australia & Oceania with a range covering AU Torres Is. to Efate (n to sc Vanuatu), where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.

What family does the Vanuatu Megapode belong to?

The Vanuatu Megapode (Megapodius layardi) belongs to the Megapodiidae family, in the order Galliformes.

What does the Vanuatu Megapode eat?

The Vanuatu Megapode is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.

Does the Vanuatu Megapode migrate?

The Vanuatu Megapode is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

Is the Vanuatu Megapode endangered?

The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.

How large is the Vanuatu Megapode's range?

The Vanuatu Megapode has a mapped global range of about 6,452 km².