Megapodiidae

Megapodes (whose name means 'large-feet') are medium to large ground-dwelling birds. They are the most primitive members of the order Galliformes, which also includes cracids, grouse, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, guineafowl, and New World quail. The species are usually divided into three groups: brush turkeys, scrubfowl, and the monotypic Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata).

Additional information 

Megapods have large, rounded wings, which are more suitable for a quick take-off to escape predators than for covering great distances. Their legs and feet are remarkably strong and well-developed, owing to the family's distinctive ground-nesting habits. The hind toe is placed on the same level as the front-facing toes; a feature not found in any other Galliformes except for New World cracids. Most species have bare skin on the head and neck.

Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) is unique among the family, having a curious 'skullcap' that rises a bony knob at the back of the skull. Some scientists believe this knob may act as a shock absorber when the bird is cracking open hard-shelled food with its bill.

Adults play no part in incubation, the birds dig burrows or build mounds in which they lay the eggs. Mound-builders make a huge heap of soil and vegetation. As the vegetation rots, it generates heat, keeping the eggs at the correct temperature. The male Malleefowl actively monitors his mound; he can detect the internal temperature to within a few degrees, by inserting his bill into the structure. The bird regulates the temperature daily by removing and replacing part of the mound covering. Burrow-nesters exploit local geothermal heating to maintain the correct temperatures. Several of these species relie entirely on warmth generated by decaying tree roots. Chicks use their strong legs to kick open the eggshell, then burrow upward for 30-120 cm, taking several days to reach the surface. The young are totally independent, and their parents play no role in rearing them. The hatch almost fully feathered.

Taxonomy   

Number of genera: 7

Number of species: 22

A list of all the species can found here.