Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) are large ground dwelling birds somewhat larger than a domestic hen. They belong to a family of 22 bird species known as "megapodes"(meaning big feet). Described as a ground dwelling bird, Malleefowl will take flight to roost in trees overnight and to escape immediate danger.

Once common, their numbers have seriously declined over the last 100 years. Malleefowl are classified as "fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct" under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-91. Nationally, the Malleefowl is listed as a threatened species in need of national conservation efforts (National Recovery Plan for Malleefowl, Dr Joe Benshemesh 2000).

Malleefowl are unique to the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. Megapode habitat is generally described as high rainfall tropical/subtropical (east and north coasts of Australia, New Guinea, Philippines, Indonesia and Western Pacific/Southern Indian Islands) however the Malleefowl differs from other megapodes as a species of the lower rainfall Southern Australian landscapes.

Other common names include:- malleehen; mallee fowl, incubator bird, native pheasant; bush chook and Aboriginal names: gnow (naw, or ngow-o); lowan  (low, or loan, Lawani);  Nganamara.

The Malleefowl Mound

Malleefowl dedicate 9-11 months per year building and maintaining a large incubation mound of soil, leaves and twigs. The eggs are laid in the mound, buried and left to incubate by heat generated from composting litter. Malleefowl mounds may be used over many generations and can attain an impressive size of 22 metres in circumference and one metre high. Breeding densities vary. Surveys in South Western Australia indicate an average population of 2 active mounds per square km in 400 mm rainfall mallee habitat areas (Ongerup region).

Malleefowl have developed a highly sophisticated method of temperature control for egg incubation. The birds maintain the mound temperature of 32-34 degrees by using their beak as a "thermometer" and adjusting soil cover to either retain or expel heat from the egg chamber. Towards the end of the breeding season (February - March) when heat generated from litter fermentation has diminished, solar energy is harvested by spreading and returning mound soil heated by the sun.

The Malleefowl Chick

The Malleefowl egg is large, weighing an estimated 10% of the adult's body weight. An egg is laid every 3-7 days. The eggs are thin-shelled, pale pink in colour and will change to dark beige during the 60-90 day incubation period. An average of 18 eggs will be laid each season.

Upon hatching, the Malleefowl chick struggles upwards to the mound surface. This may take from 2-15 hours. Once emerging the chick receives no parental care and immediately makes its way to the shelter of low-lying vegetation for protection. Within one hour the young chick can run swiftly, 24 hours later it can fly. Instinct will lead the chick away from the adult's home range to fend for itself.

Research has shown that most chicks die from starvation and predators. Today the estimated survival rate is less than 2%

Threats:

Malleefowl survival will depend on conservation efforts to address: -

• Remnant vegetation decline (salinity, grazing)

• Introduced animals (e.g. foxes, cats, rabbits, goats)

• Isolated remnants

• Greater Community awareness

Malleefowl - The Future

In many areas Malleefowl have survived major landscape changes since white settlement in Australia. Rural community groups such as The Malleefowl Preservation Group Inc. aim to ensure the Malleefowl's survival through on-ground projects and community awareness campaigns. With a little help the Malleefowl will remain as one of Australia's unique icons of the mallee.

Have You Seen A Malleefowl?

Malleefowl markings and lifestyle provide a perfect camouflage example specially adapted to the Australian bush. The birds may be seen when occasionally leaving the protection of the bush to feed in paddocks or cross roadways. If you should see a Malleefowl, we encourage you to complete the online sighting form.

Footage of two Malleefowl working a mound.

Each video contains the same footage but at different resolutions.

Video provided courtesy of Irene Morcombe. © Irene Morcombe