About the Maleo
The maleo is a large megapode and the only member of the monotypic genus Macrocephalon. The maleo is endemic to Sulawesi and the nearby smaller island of Buton in Indonesia. It is found in the tropical lowland and hill forests, but nests in the open sandy areas, volcanic soils, or beaches that are heated by the sun or geothermal energy for incubation.
Source: Wikipedia
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodes (Megapodiidae) |
| Species | Macrocephalon maleo |
| Species Codes | maleo1, MALE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Maleo belong to?
The Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) belongs to the Megapodes family (Megapodiidae), in the order Galliformes.
How can I identify the Maleo?
The maleo is a large megapode and the only member of the monotypic genus Macrocephalon. The maleo is endemic to Sulawesi and the nearby smaller island of Buton in Indonesia. It is found in the tropical lowland and hill forests, but nests in the open sandy areas, volcanic soils, or beaches that are h...
Where can I report a Maleo sighting?
You can log sightings of Maleo on eBird (ebird.org) using species code maleo1, or on iNaturalist.
Related Species in Megapodes 21 species
More Birds in Order Galliformes
Quick Stats
Spotted a Maleo?
Log your sighting on eBird or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier!