Malleefowl (2/18)

GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae

Leipoa ocellata  

On several occasions, when walking through Mallee woodlands looking out for Malleefowl, I have been surprised by the large bird with a small head suddenly bursting into flight from just a few metres away and rapidly disappearing from view.

On reviewing the scene I would realise that the bird must have been visible before it took off but I had completely missed seeing it, its cryptic colouring having provided a cloak of invisibility.

I offer this photograph in defence of my eyesight.