Vanuatu Megapode
Megapodius layardi
Loru Rainforest Protected Area, Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu - October 12 2018
A Vanuatu Megapode perched in a tree.
As we already decided to exclude the trek up to Pic Santo, the Scrubfowl seemed to be the most difficult Vanuatu endemic on our itinerary to connect with. We heard a few birds at Palikulo Point, and finally saw one there on our second visit (also heard on Vanua Lava). A visit to Loru Conservation area proved to be more productive. We enjoyed excellent views of 2-3 birds there, thanks to our guide Caleb from the nearby village.
As we already decided to exclude the trek up to Pic Santo, the Scrubfowl seemed to be the most difficult Vanuatu endemic on our itinerary to connect with. We heard a few birds at Palikulo Point, and finally saw one there on our second visit (also heard on Vanua Lava). A visit to Loru Conservation area proved to be more productive. We enjoyed excellent views of 2-3 birds there, thanks to our guide Caleb from the nearby village.