Talegalla jobiensis
The Collared Brushturkey (*Talegalla jobiensis*) is a distinctive, medium-sized ground-dwelling bird belonging to the Megapodiidae family, found exclusively in the lowlands of New Guinea. Adults typically measure 55-61 cm in length, characterized by their dark, glossy black or brownish-black plumage, which often exhibits subtle iridescent sheens. Its most striking field mark, and the origin of its common name, is a prominent collar of bright yellow to orange bare skin encircling the neck. The...
This brushturkey primarily inhabits tropical lowland rainforests, including primary and secondary growth, often found along forest edges and occasionally extending into hill forests up to 1000 meters elevation.
The Collared Brushturkey is an omnivore, primarily consuming invertebrates such as insects and larvae, alongside various seeds and fallen fruits, which it obtains by vigorously scratching the forest floor.
The Collared Brushturkey is a largely terrestrial and diurnal species, spending most of its time foraging on the forest floor. Its most remarkable behavior is the male's construction and meticulous maintenance of a large incubation mound, typically composed of soil, leaf litter, and other decayin...
The Collared Brushturkey is endemic to the island of New Guinea and a few offshore islands, with its distribution primarily concentrated in the northern and western lowlands. Its range spans across both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guin...
Least Concern
- The male Collared Brushturkey meticulously constructs and maintains a large incubation mound, often several meters wide, by adding or removing organic material to precisely regulate temperature. - Unlike most birds, Collared Brushturkey hatchlings are fully feathered, independent, and capable o...