Book 31, Question 70 · Video
How does the malleefowl use a compost pile to hatch its eggs?
The malleefowl, a bird from Australia, doesn’t sit on its eggs. Instead, the male builds a big mound of sand and rotting leaves, and the heat from the decaying plants warms the eggs buried inside. He checks the temperature by poking his beak into the mound and adds or removes sand to keep it steady. The chicks hatch, dig out, and run off on their own.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does the malleefowl use a compost pile to hatch its eggs?
The Big Idea
One bird uses a compost pile to hatch its eggs! No sitting required. How does the malleefowl do it?
A Big Mound
Step one: A Big Mound. The malleefowl, a bird from Australia, doesn't sit on its eggs. Instead, the male builds a big mound of sand and rotting leaves.
Rotting Warmth
Step two: Rotting Warmth. As the plants rot, they give off heat. That heat warms the eggs buried inside the mound.
Temperature Check
Step three: Temperature Check. The male checks the temperature by poking his beak into the mound. He adds or removes sand to keep it steady. The chicks hatch, dig out, and run off on their own.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Sand and plants. Rot and warm. Temperature test. Dig out.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! A malleefowl mound can be several feet tall. Malleefowl live in Australia. Rotting leaves make heat. The chicks dig out alone.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, find a pile of fresh grass clippings. Wear gloves and push a thermometer into the middle. Wait a few minutes and read it. Compare it with the air temperature. Wash your hands afterward.
Outro
The malleefowl of Australia buries its eggs in a big mound of sand and rotting leaves, which give off heat as they decay. The male checks the temperature with his beak and adds or removes sand to keep it just right. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!