Bill short and stout, culmen curved; head small; body heavy; wings
short and rounded, curved to the body; tail either very short or
greatly elongated; legs moderate to heavy; claws well developed; toes
four, slightly webbed at base. Members of this order are terrestrial;
their flight is strong and swift but can not be sustained for a long
distance. Their food consists of grain, seeds, and insects. The nest
is usually a slight hollow in the ground, hidden by grass or brush;
the megapodes, however, bury their eggs in mounds.
Suborders.
a1. Hind toe on a level with the other toes; feet and claws very heavy;
colors plain, the sexes similar in color ... Megapodii (p. 9)
a2. Hind toe slightly elevated; feet and claws moderate in size;
sexes very different in color; males much brighter ... Phasiani (p. 11)
Suborder MEGAPODII.
Family MEGAPODIIDÆ.
Nostrils oval, situated near anterior border of surrounding membrane;
bill moderate, culmen curved; orbital area nearly naked; ear-opening
small; chin, throat, and face scantily feathered with short plumes,
the skin usually red or dusky; legs, feet, and claws very large and
powerful; claws slightly curved and usually blunt; anterior face
of tarsus bearing a row of large scutes; rectrices short, exceeding
coverts but little; sexes alike.
Genus MEGAPODIUS Gaimard, 1823.
Characters same as those given for the Family.