Brush turkey

Alectura lathami

The Brush turkey is found on the east coast of Australia living in rainforest, wet open forest, and some dry inland areas.

It is an interesting bird, scratching leaf matter and soil together creating a huge mound, where they lay their eggs in tiers in a deep hole in the mound's top.

Heat generated by decomposing leaf matter, combined with the sun's heat incubate the eggs.

 

 

When the eggs hatch the chicks dig their own way out, and are independent of the parents from the very start of their life.

Predators include Goannas, Python snakes, carnivorous marsupials introduced pigs and foxes, and unfortunately humans and our domestic pets.

The brush turkey is mainly a ground bird, but roost's in trees at night, it will fly quite well when pushed to do so.

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Reference:

Field Guide to the Birds Of Australia

Simpson & Day

Every Australian Bird Illustrated, Rigby

 

 

 

17 January, 2010

 
 
 

©Wildlife Mountain 2000 - 2012

 

We would also like to acknowledge the amazing support and help we have had from the Lismore Vet Clinic who have been an invaluable support to both us and the native wildlife of this region.


All native birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles are proteced under the Wildlife Act 1975, they may not be captured or harmed in any way without an authority issued under the Wildlife Act.

Webmaster Susanne Ulyatt