The Nicobar Megapode is a ground-dwelling bird of the Nicobar Islands. It makes large mounds of leaves and sand, using the heat of decomposition to incubate its eggs.
Males and females have similar plumage and are difficult to distinguish by appearance alone.
Nicobar Megapodes may share an incubation mound among several pairs. Each pair maintains its own territory, with overlap around the mound at the territory’s edge. They share a breeding site while using duets, fights and chases to defend space.
Researchers followed colour-marked birds in coastal forest at the southern end of Great Nicobar in 1996–1997. Across 29 mounds, the mean was 2.3 pairs per mound. Up to five marked pairs used one mound, alongside additional unmarked birds.
Pairs using the same mound also showed a hierarchy. A dominant pair spent more time there and could interrupt others working on the mound. The leading pair appeared to change after its egg-laying period ended. Sharing the incubation site therefore occurred alongside competition between pairs.
IUCN Red List · Vulnerable · Global
The global assessment dated 27 January 2021 lists Nicobar Megapode as Vulnerable. Following the major reduction caused by the 2004 tsunami, its mature population was estimated at about 750–1,500 birds, drawing on coastal surveys including those in 2009–2011. The assessment highlights pressure on coastal forest and the need for updated population surveys. Protecting mound-building habitat and reducing hunting and egg collection are conservation priorities.