The Nicobar Megapode is a rare, ground-dwelling bird endemic to the Nicobar Islands. Known for its unique nesting habit, it builds massive mound nests using sand and decaying vegetation to incubate its eggs using natural heat. Shy and elusive, this dark brown bird with powerful legs and a short tail is a favourite among birdwatchers. Here are the 10 best places to spot the rare Nicobar Megapode: (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Pankaj Sekhsaria)

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1. Great Nicobar Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands The largest island in the Nicobar group, Great Nicobar, is the prime habitat of the Nicobar Megapode. Dense rainforests and undisturbed coastal patches here provide the perfect nesting grounds for this rare bird, known for building large incubation mounds out of sand and organic debris. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | PK Shahid)

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2. Little Nicobar Islands Less visited than Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar is a biodiversity haven. The Nicobar Megapode thrives here, with its nests often spotted near forest clearings and beach fringes. The remoteness helps reduce human disturbance, making it an ideal breeding location. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Niranjan Sant)

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3. Katchal Island Known for its lush forests and tribal communities, Katchal Island is a vital site for spotting the megapode. Early morning treks through forest trails often reveal mound nests hidden under thick vegetation. Local guides enhance the chances of sightings. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Shashank Dalvi)

4. Nancowry IslandPart of the central Nicobar group, Nancowry is a peaceful and ecologically rich destination. The megapode’s presence here is well-documented, and its nesting behaviour can be observed near the forest floor during nesting season, especially in secluded inland areas. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | PK Shahid)

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5. Camorta IslandCamorta, with its combination of mangroves, forests, and coastal scrublands, is another hotspot. Birdwatchers often report sightings along the less inhabited coastal stretches, where the megapodes forage and maintain their massive nesting mounds. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Niranjan Sant)

6. Trinket IslandThough small, Trinket Island has recorded sightings of the Nicobar Megapode, particularly in its eastern forested zones. Conservation efforts have helped maintain the fragile habitat that supports these birds and their unique nesting practices. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Gokulakrishnan G.)

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7. Teressa IslandTeressa’s terrain offers a mix of hills and coastlines, giving the Nicobar Megapode varied nesting environments. The birds favour areas with loose soil and plenty of leaf litter, and locals often spot their mounds along walking paths near forest edges. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Gokulakrishnan G.)

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8. Car NicobarThe northernmost of the Nicobar Islands, Car Nicobar, has limited numbers of megapodes due to habitat loss. However, conservation patches within community forests still host a few nesting pairs. Early morning visits yield the best chance of a sighting. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Ravi Shankar Parameshwaran)

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9. Pulomilo IslandA lesser-known, small island south of Great Nicobar, Pulomilo has a modest population of Nicobar Megapodes. Its isolated nature helps in the undisturbed nesting of the birds, with mound nests often located close to inland streams or shaded groves. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | PK Shahid)

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10. South Bay, Great Nicobar Specifically within Great Nicobar, South Bay is a hotspot for megapode activity. This area is part of the Galathea National Park buffer zone and offers the best conditions for observing mound nests and foraging adults in their natural behaviour. (Image Credit: macaulaylibrary.org | Sudeshna Dey)

The Nicobar Megapode is a unique, mound-building bird found only in the Nicobar Islands of India. These islands are the only place in the world to spot their distinctive nesting behavior. The birds construct large mounds of sand, soil, and vegetation, which act as a natural incubator for their eggs, warmed by the heat of decomposition.
Here are some of the key places to spot the nest-building Nicobar Megapode:

• Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island: This area is a known hotspot for Nicobar Megapode nesting, with a high concentration of active mounds. It’s an important nesting site not just for the megapode, but also for other endangered species like the Giant Leatherback Turtle.
• Imagine a large patch of low-lying land on the outskirts of any of our ever-expanding metros. Though registered in government records as a lake, it has been dry for a few years because of poor rains. By a sleight of hand well-known to the Indian public, the land is taken over by a builder, a high-rise is constructed in double quick time and occupants move in with much fanfare. The rains return, land becomes lake and the residents are marooned. The aggrieved home-owners go to court, which in turn asks the government to fix responsibility. The government sets up an enquiry committee which comes back with an ingenious solution: The lake that was a lake till recently was never a lake in the first place. And now that there is a building here how can this be a lake anyway? If migratory birds were visiting, it was their illusion that this was a lake, and the bird sanctuary here had been denotified many years ago anyway.
• A farce (or should we call it subterfuge?) much bigger than this has just been played out in the Great Nicobar Island as reported by this newspaper (‘Nicobar port plan: Flagged in no-go zone earlier, now in permitted area’, IE, July 29).
• Campbell Bay National Park, Great Nicobar Island: This national park and the surrounding areas on Great Nicobar are important habitats for the species.
• Tillangchong Island: This uninhabited island is a protected area and a sanctuary for the Nicobar Megapode.
• Bompoka Island: A study found a significant number of mounds on Bompoka Island, making it a key location for observation.
• Teressa Island: Like Bompoka, Teressa has also been identified as a place with a notable number of active mounds.
• Kondul Island: Another island with a healthy population of Nicobar Megapode and active nesting mounds.
• Megapode Island: The island itself is named after the bird, indicating its historical importance as a nesting ground.
• Nancowry Islands: The Nancowry group of islands is considered to be of primary importance for the endemic avifauna of the region, including the Nicobar Megapode.
• Katchal Island: This island is also part of the Nicobar Megapode’s range.
• Little Nicobar: While some reports indicate a decline in active mounds here, it is still a part of the bird’s natural habitat.
  The Nicobar Megapodes are generally secretive and prefer dense jungle near the seashore. They build their mounds on open grounds or against trees, and the mounds are often reused. When searching for their nests, it’s crucial to be mindful of their vulnerable status and the fragile ecosystem of the islands. Conservation efforts are in place, including the protection of several uninhabited islands, to safeguard the species from threats like habitat loss and egg collection.

The Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis) is a rare, mound-building bird endemic to the Nicobar Islands. Known for its unique nesting behavior—using decomposing vegetation and sand to incubate eggs—this elusive species is a treat for birdwatchers. Here are the top 10 places to spot it:

🏝️ Top 10 Nicobar Megapode Hotspots

1. Great Nicobar Island

• Largest island in the Nicobar group.The largest island in the Nicobar group is Great Nicobar Island. It is the southernmost and largest of the Nicobar Islands and is located north of Sumatra. Great Nicobar Island is also the largest island in India, covering an approximate area of 921 square kilometers.  
• 2.5 m diameter lantern house (BBT). It is an important landmark on the international shipping lane Colombo-Singapore route via Malacca Strait that passes south of Indira Point. It also has a helipad.^[21]
• 2004 tsunami
• The tsunami which resulted from the Indian Ocean earthquake of 2004 inundated much of the area. This partly damaged the lighthouse, which subsided 4.25 m.^[22] As a result of this subsidence, the coast retreated and the sea moved permanently inland. The lighthouse has since been repaired.^[23]
• The base of the lighthouse was 5 m above sea level when constructed in 1972. After the tsunami, the sea floor fell and the base was less than 1 m above sea level. Since then, the subsidence has decreased somewhat as the ocean floor slowly rebounds, and the lighthouse base become more elevated. Indira point was mostly submerged.
• Dense rainforests and undisturbed coastal areas ideal for nesting.
• Dense rainforest and undisturbed coastal areas are recognized as ideal habitats for nesting, providing essential shelter and protection for many wildlife species, especially birds and reptiles. In India, regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, and the Western Ghats stand out for their pristine rainforest, rich biodiversity, and secluded coastlines. These environments support sensitive nesting behaviors due to their minimal human disturbance, structural complexity, and year-round food availability.Examples: Key Indian Regions andaman and Nicobar Islands: The lush rainforest and undisturbed coastal stretches of these islands create the top biosphere for diverse plant and animal species. Notably, the Nicobar Megapode, a mound-nesting bird, thrives on several Nicobar islands including Great Nicobar, Katchal, Nancowry, Camorta, Trinket, and Teressa, where dense forest cover meets sequestered coastlines, ensuring nesting security.Assam & Northeast India: These regions possess the most isolated, dense rainforest sheltered by low hills and unspoiled by urbanization, serving as important breeding grounds for monkeys, elephants, and birds.Western Ghats: Both the northern and southern parts feature moist deciduous forests and protected national parks, providing habitats with minimal disturbance for nesting by elephants, gaurs, tigers, and numerous endemic birds.Coastal Areas: Mangrove belts, estuaries, secluded beaches, and associated wetlands along India’s east and west coasts (e.g., selected sites in Gujarat such as Porbandar, Madhavpur, and Koteshwar) have been identified as high-priority nesting grounds for endangered marine turtles and shorebirds.Why These Habitats Are Ideal canopy Shelter: Forest canopies shield nests from predators and harsh weather.Undisturbed Terrain: Low human footprint limits nest disturbance, ensuring higher survival rates.Coastal Advantages: Beaches and mangroves offer vital nesting grounds for marine life like turtles, often enhanced by protected status and active conservation measures.These ecosystems are critical for sustaining diverse and endangered species, making them top priorities for conservation and research.

1. Little Nicobar Island

• Remote and less disturbed.
• Remote and less disturbed habitats typically refer to wilderness areas with minimal human activity, infrastructure, and settlement—making them crucial for wildlife conservation, natural ecosystem functioning, and the survival of sensitive or endangered species. In India, such areas are often found in far-flung national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and high-biodiversity regions where tourism and development have not yet penetrated deeply. Notable examples include Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh), Hemis National Park (Ladakh), Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh), and Saddle Peak National Park (Andaman Islands)[1].
• Ecological Importance
• Wildlife Haven: These regions offer natural shelter for rare and endangered animals like snow leopards, red pandas, lion-tailed macaques, and unique birdlife, thanks to low disturbance and abundant natural resources[1][2].
• Breeding Grounds: Birds and mammals favor less disturbed zones for breeding and nesting, as these provide greater safety from predators and human interference[2].
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Studies show that remote rainforest fragments in areas like the Western Ghats support higher plant and vertebrate diversity than modified habitats[3].
• Conservation Value
• Low Fragmentation: Remaining “islands” of relatively undisturbed habitat maintain crucial ecological connectivity, supporting animal movement and gene flow and thereby bolstering population stability[4].
• Natural Corridors: Remote landscapes often act as wildlife corridors between larger reserves, enabling migration and seasonal movement[5].
• Quality Resources: Wildlife prefers these habitats for the quality and abundance of food, water sources, and nesting sites available, which leads to healthier populations[6].
• Remote and less disturbed habitats are essential refuges for India’s wild heritage, providing ecological stability and acting as last frontiers for species threatened by habitat loss elsewhere.

1. Katchal Island

• Rich biodiversity and tribal communities.
• Rich biodiversity and tribal communities.
• Regions with rich biodiversity in India are often home to numerous tribal communities whose traditional lifestyles have helped conserve these ecological hotspots. Such lands are found in the Eastern and Western Ghats, the central Indian forest belt, Northeast India, and select coastal and island ecosystems. Tribal populations—Adivasis—live amid forests, hills, and valleys and have a deep cultural connection with their surroundings, practicing sustainable agriculture, foraging, and rituals that honor nature[1][2][3].
• Examples of Key Regions
• Central India Tribal Belt: States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh are famous for dense forests and unique plant and animal life. Tribal communities such as Gonds, Santhals, Mundas, Oraons, and Bhils have preserved the region’s natural diversity through traditional knowledge and forest-based livelihoods[1][2][3].
• Northeast India: High rainfall, forested terrain, and myriad tribal cultures (Khasis, Nagas, Mizos) create extraordinary biodiversity. Local practices like shifting cultivation and community-managed forests maintain rich ecosystems[1][3].
• Western Ghats: This global biodiversity hotspot in Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka supports tribes such as the Irulas, Kattunaikans, and Paniyars. Their lifestyles and folklore are embedded with practices that safeguard endemic flora and fauna[4][5][6].
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Isolated rainforests are home to tribes like Jarawas, Nicobarese, and Onge, who depend on mangroves, ocean resources, and forest habitat, fostering unique biodiversity[2][5].
• Bastar, Chhattisgarh: Known for endangered species, distinctive ecosystems, and a rich tribal heritage, Bastar is a key example of the ties between biodiversity and indigenous stewardship[7].
• Tribal Contributions to Biodiversity
• Tribes protect forests, sacred groves, and water bodies through customary laws and religious beliefs.
• Sustainable traditional methods (like shifting cultivation and selective foraging) minimize ecological disturbance and enhance species richness.
• Communities actively participate in forest management, seed conservation, and wildlife protection, maintaining balance between human needs and ecosystem health[8][7].
• Areas with high biodiversity and tribal presence form the backbone of India’s natural heritage, underscoring the mutual reliance of culture and the environment for enduring conservation.

1. Nancowry Island

• Ecologically rich and peaceful.
• Nesting behavior observed near forest floors.

1. Camorta Island

• Mix of mangroves, forests, and coastal scrublands.
• Sightings common along less inhabited coastal stretches.

1. Trinket Island

• Small but significant.
• Eastern forest zones support nesting.

1. Teressa Island

• Known for its lush greenery.
• Occasional sightings in secluded forest patches.

1. Bompoka Island

• Lesser-known but ecologically intact.
• Ideal for spotting undisturbed nesting mounds.

1. Pillow Panja Island

• Remote and rarely visited.
• Offers pristine habitat for megapodes.

1. Tillanchong Island
   • Protected area with restricted access.
   • Known for conservation efforts and stable megapode population.

These islands offer a rare glimpse into the life of one of India’s most fascinating birds. If you’re planning a trip, consider eco-tourism guidelines to protect their fragile habitat.