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Alectura lathami
A large bird with black feathers and a red head. Its total length is about 60–75 cm and a wingspan about 85 cm. It is the largest the Megapodiidae family (mound builders) and is one of three species to inhabit Australia. It is not closely related to American turkeys
Seen in rainforest in North Queensland, but they are widely distributed across eastern Australia from Far North Queensland to Illawarra in southern New South Wales.
It is interesting to read about mound-builders at Wikipedia. If you ever get the opportunity, see the documentary "Chant of the Scrub Turkey"
Spotted on Jan 15, 2011
Submitted on Jun 16, 2011
4 Comments
Very good photo
The only one I've ever seen was up a tree as well, and apparently none too fussed by our drifting by in a boat. On that same bird-watching trip on the Daintree river we saw a megapode mound (built by a Orange-footed Scrubfowl) that was probable taller than I am. Fascinating creatures.
Thanks Lori, they are certainly birds with a personality!
Excellent photo. You've really captured the colors and the feathering.