TODAY -

Thermometer Bird !

S Balakrishnan *



The Thermometer Bird seemed agitated; 'How dare you write about me ?' it questioned me. 'You sighted neither me nor even my mound nest when you visited my territory. Then on what authority and moral ground do you plan to write?' The Megapode bird grilled me. I was amazed by the all-knowing bird's idea about my 1979 trip to its territory in Great Nicobar Island, India's southernmost land mass.

But then I was obsessed of visiting that Island's southern point, Parson's Pygmalion Point which is also India's real southernmost point (later renamed Indira Point) that nothing else mattered to me, I accepted my mistake.

But I love you so much, you know ? I assuaged the ruffled feathers/feelings of the bird. 'You love me or my curry and my eggs ?' it retorted.

"Oh, believe me; I am from a pure vegetarian family. You are so unique that I want to 'educate' the whole world about you," I tried to please the bird. At last it relented and approved my proposal with a curt "May proceed''.

As a show of gratitude I will fight to declare Megapode as the State bird of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Hope the Andaman Wood Pigeon (Columba Palumboides) doesn't get upset for dethroning its status and start pecking my bald head.

The Nicobar Megapode bird's zoological name is Megapoidus freycinet Nicobariensis. Oh, forget it; let us simply call it Megapode, the bird with big (Mega) claws (pode). So, now you know why it is called Megapode ! The Nicobari people call it 'Kongah' in local parlance. Nicobar Megapode prefers dry deciduous forest along the sea coast.

The family of Megapodidae includes 7 genera and 12 species of Australasian chicken-like birds (order Galliformes) that bury their eggs to hatch them. Based on physical features and size they are divided into 3 major groups. Of these, the Nicobar Megapodes come under the Scrub Fowl (Megapodius) type which is also found in the Philippines, Pacific Islands, New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and northern Australia.

Megapodes are more or less the size of domestic fowls, some species slightly smaller or bigger. They are omnivorous (eat both plant-based and animal-based foods) and are usually found at ground level; they can run fast and, if necessary, also fly for short distance.

Megapodes are unique because they incubate their eggs in mounds which they manipulate to regulate the temperature within; hence the names Incubator Birds, Mound-builders and Thermometer Birds. It is the only bird that uses external heat source, and not its own body heat, to hatch its eggs.

Most of these species depend on fermenting vegetative matter to produce the heat necessary for incubation, while some as well use solar and volcanic action heat to hatch their eggs. The Nicobar scrub fowl Megapode builds the mound with sand, decayed vegetative matter like leaves, sticks, etc.

Though Megapode is small in size – only as big as domestic fowl – it builds a mound of such a vast size that it could go up to 4 ft. in height and 15 ft. in dia ! It is the duty of male Megapode to build the mound while the female encourages (or nags). Megapodes of another group build mounds of 10 meters diameter!

The parent birds maintain the temperature within the mound evenly at 33° C (91° F) by closing and opening various vents of the mound nest. They use the beak to measure and correct the temperature of the mound. How smart of them !

The Megapode eggs are 11 cm long and weigh as much as 270 gms (1/4 kg!) which is 5 times bigger than a domestic hen's. So it weighs 16% of an adult Megapode's body weight, the highest egg : body weight ratio !

In the fowl family the ratio is usually just around 3% only. The incubation period is a long 75-80 days compared to the 21 days of a hen's. A pit of 1.5 ft. is first dug to lay the eggs which are then covered by the mound built by male.

The eggs are laid vertically (broad end up) for better development of embryo and head up position for digging out of the pit and mound. The hatchlings fly immediately after coming out and are independent from then onwards itself ! In some species a few females lay their eggs together in the same pit.

In India, Megapode is endemic to Nicobar where also it is found only in some Islands of the Nicobar Group. It has been declared an endangered species in India. Monitor lizard is the predator besides humans who find its big eggs a wholesome food.

Besides, it is believed to have aphrodisiac properties, hence more susceptible. The bird itself is not that attractive which is a plus point, but as the mounds are too big the eggs fall an easy prey to the humans.

Nicobar Megapodes may number around 1000 but figures vary as it is a shy bird that hurries into the bush. For the time being it is safe in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve but danger is looming. NITI Aayog has recently proposed plans for development of this tail-end territory of India into a port city like Singapore or Hong Kong, to counter China's expansionist plans in the Indian Ocean.

Megapode was honoured by an Indian postal stamp issued in 2012. Long Live Megapoidus freycinet Nicobariensis, aka Thermometer Bird!


* S Balakrishnan wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer can be reached at krishnanbala2004(AT)yahoo(DOT)co(DOT)in
This article was webcasted on July 18 2021.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #1 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • In the Arms of Shadows :: Poem
  • Samantha Harvey : Booker Prize winner 2024
  • Meeteina ST list-ta changhoubana
  • Badungduppa Kalakendra- 25 yrs of theatre
  • Agripreneurship for attracting rural youth
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Observance of Nupi Lal / Protest at Delhi
  • "Political will for Solution to Naga issue"
  • Sessions in Parliamentary democracy
  • Failure to find all TB cases defeats in #endTB
  • Collective actions on climate change needed
  • International Anti-Corruption Day 2024
  • 'Will take time to resolve crisis'
  • Observance of Human Rights Day in Manipur
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #1: Gallery
  • UN Human Rights Day @ Lilong: Gallery
  • Time :: Poem
  • Charity Program at Urup Relief Camp
  • Human Rights Day at Lamphel Court
  • UN Human Rights Day at Lilong
  • Art & Calligraphy in Constitution
  • Five years of ILPS in Manipur
  • Apex court intervenes as state, centre fail
  • Natambakta Play @JNMDA #2 : Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Loingamba, Reipao, Theithei : eMing
  • Echoes of Unheard Voices :: Poem
  • Day 3 : 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Fest
  • NER's Renaissance: Isolation to integration
  • Hunger caused by hormonal imbalance
  • Snuffing the life out of ISBT
  • Govt must look beyond internet ban
  • 78th Independence Day of India #3 : Gallery
  • Binoranjan Oinam: Best Director at 9th BVFF
  • Three children by Mohan Bhagwat
  • 'Horn of Nagaland' title goes to Rio
  • Biomedical waste is dangerous
  • Understanding the gifted child
  • Suspending internet since Nov 16
  • From dismissal to revelation: Drone bombings
  • Who are the Rongmeis ?
  • Assam Handicrafts - Rhino & much more!
  • The Power of Poppy - 59 :: Poem
  • Soil: Earth's skin is key for environment
  • Day 2 : 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Fest
  • Teaching teens financial responsibility
  • Sagol Kangjei Esei @Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Mushroom cultivation training at Bishnupur
  • Turning a blind eye to mayhem in Manipur
  • Enforced disappearance by Armed Forces
  • Memo to PM : Restore peace in Manipur
  • Remembering Dr Rajendra Prasad
  • Can you understand the truth of life ?
  • Many continue to eye indifferent Delhi
  • Bid to wake up quiescent PM
  • Maring dance @ Mera Houchongba : Gallery
  • A Traveler's Musings by Imphal River :: Poem
  • Why such divisive thoughts ?
  • 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival begins
  • Medifacials for inner glow
  • Case of Kamalbabu since Nov 25
  • Securing highways must for MST bus service
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #3 : Gallery
  • NE forests are vulnerable to non-native tree
  • Still, I Wondered Upon :: Poem
  • Reaching the unreached to find missing TB
  • Naga Solution- Salvation route for PM Modi
  • The siren's song: A story of worldly temptation
  • Dissenting voices from within
  • Futile search for missing person
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Ningol Chakkouba Shopping #2 : Gallery
  • Price people have to pay for conflict
  • Wildlife conservation is for human existence
  • When embracing a sense of oneness
  • Viksit Bharat Young Leader Dialogue at MU
  • 'One Nation One Subscription' will strengthen
  • Defiling the understanding of ILP
  • Poppy plantations in the hills
  • Pot Lannaba : Mera Houchongba #1: Gallery
  • Wild edible plants for sustainable livelihood
  • Challenges to education amid agitation
  • Medicines save lives but not when they stop
  • Guwahati audition: Mega Miss North East
  • Amul way: Journey of India's dairy revolution
  • Innate goodness of mankind : Kindness
  • Gunfights among peace deal signatories
  • International Dance Day #5: Gallery
  • Whispers of the Tarangmalangpal :: Poem
  • Winners: Dr A Surjalal Memorial Grant
  • Solar Mamas from Manipur graduate
  • Fencing & Constitutional solution
  • The silent language of signs
  • Changing Toys
  • Debunking the false narrative
  • Central forces under scanner
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #4
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations - Part I
  • Responsibility of the Cabinet in Parliament
  • Economy & employment in Manipur
  • The Power of Poppy - 58 :: Poem
  • 70th Wildlife Week Celebration #2 : Gallery
  • December Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Is Manipur turning into an African State ?
  • NIT Manipur signs MoA with NIT Warangal
  • India's multi-alignment diplomacy
  • Ed Sheeran to perform Shillong
  • Change your skin care routine
  • Poking into internal affairs of Manipur
  • Fictive campaign of unfriendly neighbour
  • Thang Ta @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • Decades of failure to end TB & tobacco
  • Dread Life :: Poem
  • Manipur crisis: Constitutional call for justice
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • Integrated Badminton Academy launched
  • Pathetic show of Govt for over 576 days
  • Unrest situation battering education sector
  • Public Review on the Eight Point Resolution
  • Empowering Youth & Transforming Manipur
  • Inoculation for regional destabilization
  • Boro film 'Bibo Binanao' premieres at IFFI
  • How childhood abuse impacts mental health
  • Cementing UNO's role in global crises
  • Story of missing man from Army camp
  • Man gone missing from military garrison!
  • Chakkouba Annual Fish Fair #2 : Gallery
  • Discordant thought of Meiteis
  • 75th Constitution Day observed
  • AMR is not a silent pandemic
  • Killing of innocent minor Children & Women
  • Social significance of countering misinformation
  • Formula from Mizoram MP: Dangerous
  • Hostile neighbour
  • 133rd Manipur Police raising day #2 : Gallery
  • The return to monarchy from democracy
  • AMH: Fertility in women of late age
  • Carpet :: Poem
  • Bio fertilizers: Use & importance
  • Unfolding script under War on Drugs drive
  • Desperate bid to shield Kuki militants
  • False claim for Kukiland
  • Intl Day: Eliminate Violence Against Women
  • The Three 'Great Living Chola Temples
  • Violence against women
  • Sholay, Basanti & Chidambaram
  • Debut of 'Sarkari Investigator'
  • Menace of illegal immigrant, poppy plantation
  • Resign call from Khemchand to CM
  • National Press Day @DIPR : Gallery
  • An act of barbarism
  • Candle Light Solidarity Vigil at Mumbai
  • Rejoinder to 10 Non-Naga Tribal MLAs
  • Delhi : Rio must do 'better homework' with IM
  • The Power of Poppy - 57 :: Poem
  • World Antimicrobial Resistance Week
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #3
  • Discord over Reserved Forest in Manipur
  • Program to increase Tribal Participation
  • Are we on wrong side of the #endTB track?
  • No roadmap for peace restoration in Manipur
  • Agragami, to release debut album
  • Profound observation of PRCM
  • Unbreakable silence of PM Modi
  • Angakpa Mawongi Atithi Seva : Folktale
  • Dear children of Manipur
  • Fuelwood consumption in Manipur
  • Face Yoga for healthy glow
  • 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival
  • Wildlife cannot be manufactured
  • Barriers to implementing primary health care
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Drugs waging a war on Manipur
  • Impressing the centre more important
  • Usman Gani: Meitei Pangal Radio Playwright
  • Crisis: Failed governance, blind Centre
  • HIV tools; is it expanding choices for people?
  • Sausage as a value-added product
  • Blessed Be a Woman :: Poem
  • Raise your voice when you have evidence
  • Davaindia Targets Expansion Drive in NE
  • Net ban continues, so does curfew
  • Slugfest over PC's post imminent
  • Kwak Tanba @Sana Konung #3: Gallery
  • Restoring Peace & Unity in Manipur
  • Address Gross Human Rights Violations
  • PIB, the silent service provider
  • The Hidden Jewel :: Poem
  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery
  • Resolutions to urge Centre
  • Entrusting NIA to deliver justice
  • Mobs attack MLAs house [Nov 16] : Gallery
  • Candlelight Protest @Blore [Nov 17] : Gallery
  • 9th General Elections: NE Students Jalandhar
  • Candlelight Protest Against Brutal Killing
  • Social context of people's movement
  • Media Conclave at Barak Festival
  • Disturbing the disturbed area
  • Why is Delhi still indifferent?
  • Looting spree a blot on public movement
  • Curfew enforced in Imphal [Nov 17] : Gallery
  • Protest @Seoul condemn murder : Gallery
  • Condemn brutal murder of 6 innocent Meiteis
  • Licypriya urged world leaders to act
  • AFSPA reimposition: A setback in Manipur
  • Vision for Vikshit Bharat in Gurgaon
  • World Diabetes Day 2024
  • Dastardly killing of 3 women, 3 kids
  • Internet ban, again
  • Massive protests in Imphal [Nov 16] : Gallery
  • Condemns Killing Children [Nov 16] : Gallery
  • Condemnation of Brutality, Rape, Murder
  • The Power of Poppy - 56 :: Poem
  • Appeal for Immediate Action
  • Appeals for calm, peace & justice
  • Condemns Killings of Innocent Children
  • Marup Mari #2 : Folktale
  • 1833 Jeree Treaty made Manipur's boundary
  • Yelhou Yangkok Art Exhibit #1 : Gallery
  • 24 hour shutdown [November 12] : Gallery
  • 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly #1: Gallery
  • Alangtakhou waterfall #2: Gallery
  • Ooba Video : is now relaunched !
  • Ningols to Mapam Lamdam #2 : Gallery
  • Ningols to Mapam Lamdam #1 : Gallery
  • Thadou Convention 2024 : Declarations
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #5: Gallery
  • Mera Houchongba @Konung #1 : Gallery
  • Case for Manipuri as a classical language
  • Bor @Hiyangthang Lairembi: Gallery
  • Ema Panthoibi @ Mandalay, Myanmar
  • Manipur Official Phone Directory : Search
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD