Australian brush turkey
The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.
Read more about Australian brush turkey
The native Australian brush turkey is found in rainforest and adjacent eucalypt forests throughout NSW. It has a distinctive lobe that hangs from the base of its neck, deep blue-black plumage, bright head colours, and a general ‘turkey-like’ appearance.
You might spot a brush turkey foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits and small insects. If you’re lucky, you might hear the male’s booming call echoing through the bush.
When breeding, the male brush turkey builds a large mound of leaf litter in which the female lays her eggs. The decomposing vegetation gives off heat which helps incubate the eggs. Upon hatching, the chicks dig their way out through the layers.
Animal facts
- Common name
- Brush turkey
- Scientific name
- Alectura lathami
- Conservation status in NSW
- Protected