About Alectura lathami J.E.Gray, 1831
The Australian brushturkey (scientific name Alectura lathami J.E.Gray, 1831) is a large bird with black plumage and a bare red head. It reaches a total length of around 60 to 75 cm (23.5 to 29.5 in), and has a wingspan of approximately 85 cm (33 in). The subspecies A. l. purpureicollis, which is native to northern Cape York Peninsula, is smaller than the more widely distributed nominate subspecies. This species has a prominent, sideways-flattened fan-like tail. Its plumage is mostly blackish; it has a bare red head, and a wattle that is yellow in the nominate subspecies and purple in A. l. purpureicollis. During breeding season, male wattles grow much larger, and often swing from side to side when the male runs. Males’ heads and wattles also become much brighter during the breeding and nesting season. White feathers are scattered across the underside of the body, and this marking is more distinct in older birds. The Australian brushturkey is an awkward flier that cannot travel long distances through the air; it only flies when threatened by predators, to roost in trees at night, or to escape midday heat. This species lives in rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, drier scrubs, and open areas, and occupies both mountainous and lowland terrain. In the northern part of its range, it is most common at higher altitudes, but individual birds move to lowland areas for winter. In the southern part of its range, it is common in both mountain and lowland regions. Australian brushturkeys are now common in urban areas, and can be found in backyards in both Brisbane and Sydney. The species’ range stretches from the northern tip of Cape York down to roughly the area around Wollongong.
