Philippine Megapode (Tabon Scrubfowl) - Megapodius cumingii

We had a hard time photographing this bird at the forest near the Ranger's station at the Puerto Princesa Underground River Park in Palawan. There were two of them trying to find food in the dark understory. After about an hour of stalking and following the movements of these birds - and not getting any good shot at all - the pair eventually ended up in an open area. My wife and I wasted no time in taking advantage of this rare opportunity. Thankfully at least one photo turned out to be acceptable.

The Philippine Megapode or Tabon Scrubfowl (Megapodius cumingii) - is found in Sulawesi, Borneo and the Philippines. In the Philippines there are two subspecies: cumingii which is found in the Palawan group of islands, and pusillus which is endemic to the rest of the Philippine islands. These species are noted for building mounds where they lay their eggs. The natural compost of the ground incubates said eggs. After they hatch the precocial (fully feathered and able to live independently from their parents) chicks claw their way out of the mound.

Philippine Megapode - Megapodius cumingii
Underground River, Sabang, Palawan
May 16, 2013

Canon 5D Mark II, 500mm + 1.4X (700mm) on a tripod
ISO-6400, 1/25, f5.6