Maleo

Maleo is a large megapode and the only member of the monotypic genus Macrocephalon. nests in the open sandy areas, volcanic soils, or beaches that are heated by the sun or geothermal energy for incubation. The megapode is named from a North Halmahera language (see Ternate: moleo, Tidore: muleu) transmitted via Ternate Malay maleu and later Ambon Malay maleo. The maleo ranges from 55–60 cm (22–24 in) long with blackish plumage, bare yellow facial skin, reddish-brown iris, reddish-orange beak, and rosy salmon underparts. (Wikipedia, general species account).

Maleo is endemic to Sulawesi and the nearby smaller island of Buton in Indonesia. Its recorded distribution includes the tropical lowland and hill forests. The maleo's egg is large, about five times as large as that of the domestic chicken's. The female lays and covers each egg in a deep hole in the sand and allows the incubation to take place through solar or volcanic heating. After the eggs hatch, the young birds work their way up through the sand and hide in the forest. (Wikipedia, general species account).