About the Nicobar Megapode
The Nicobar megapode or Nicobar scrubfowl is a megapode endemic to the Nicobar Islands of India. Like other megapodes, it builds a large mound nest of soil and vegetation, with the eggs incubated by the heat produced by decomposition. Newly hatched chicks climb out of the loose soil of the mound and, being fully feathered, are capable of flight. The Nicobar Islands lie on the western edge of the megapode distribution, well separated from the nearest ranges of other megapode species. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami reduced the global population by an estimated 66–75% and completely submerged Megapode Island; the species is now considered globally Vulnerable under IUCN criteria A1bc; D1, with a stable but small post-tsunami population.
Source: Wikipedia
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodes (Megapodiidae) |
| Species | Megapodius nicobariensis |
| Species Codes | nicscr1, NIME, NISC |
| Conservation | VU Vulnerable |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Nicobar Megapode belong to?
The Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis) belongs to the Megapodes family (Megapodiidae), in the order Galliformes.
What is the conservation status of the Nicobar Megapode?
The Nicobar Megapode is classified as "Vulnerable" (VU) by IUCN Red List.
How can I identify the Nicobar Megapode?
The Nicobar megapode or Nicobar scrubfowl is a megapode endemic to the Nicobar Islands of India. Like other megapodes, it builds a large mound nest of soil and vegetation, with the eggs incubated by the heat produced by decomposition. Newly hatched chicks climb out of the loose soil of the mound and...
Where can I report a Nicobar Megapode sighting?
You can log sightings of Nicobar Megapode on eBird (ebird.org) using species code nicscr1, or on iNaturalist.