The large majority of gallinaceous birds nest on the ground, the nest being only a.... egg (

The simplest form of nesting, found in the maleo ( Macrocephalon maleo ), Wallace's megapode ( Eulipoa wallacei ), and some individuals of Freycinet's megapode ( Megapodius freycinet , called jungle fowl in Australia), consists of placing each egg in a hole dug in sand to a depth of up to one metre (about one yard) in a site chosen for receiving the appropriate amount of solar radiation. It is generally believed that the bird measures the temperature of the egg chamber when opening the mound. Frith, has found that the mound is maintained within a degree or two of 33 C (91 F) throughout the period of several months that there are eggs in it. The eggs of most gallinaceous birds are solidly coloured in white, buff, or olive, but those of species nesting in open areas are usually protectively coloured with blotches of brown or black. Most members of the order are indeterminate layers, the female producing eggs until a certain number has accumulated in the nest. If the domestic h! en were a determinate layer, as are members of many other bird orders, each individual would produce her clutch of about a dozen eggs and, regardless of whether or not the eggs were removed, would discontinue laying for at least two months. Partridge, quail, and the smaller pheasant lay from 12 to more than 20 eggs, but the larger pheasant, such as the crested argus ( Rheinardia ocellata ) and the great argus, normally lay only two eggs. egg (