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This bird’s incubator is a compost heap

This bird’s incubator is a compost heap. The malleefowl builds a nursery from sand and leaves.1/5
An incubator built from sand and leaves. Malleefowl use heat from decomposition and the sun, while the male manages the mound. An illustrated natural-history story.
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  1. This bird’s incubator is a compost heap.

    The malleefowl builds a nursery from sand and leaves.

  2. First, gather the fuel.

    Leaf litter is buried inside the mound.

  3. The warmth comes from within.

    Rotting leaves release heat. Sunlight helps too.

  4. The father adjusts the mound.

    He moves sand to manage the temperature around the eggs.

  5. The chick digs its way out.

    After hatching, it climbs to the surface and begins life independently.

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