It is a comparatively large for megapodes with some noticeable sexual dimorphism. Adults are on average, 46cm long with a weight between 1.2 to 1.6 kg.[2] Females have a dull grey bare facial skin, whereas the males are pale-blue. Moreover, the red wattles on the head and chest is enlarged in the male, whilst it is reduced for females. Overall, they are similar to other brushturkeys but the wattled brushturkey has a vertically-flattened tail with maroon rump and darker legs.[3]
These birds have an incredibly wide range, making them resilient against human impacts, with a breeding range of approximately 685,000 km2.[1]
They are very shy birds and locating them is difficult. These omnivorous birds often forage on the ground floor, scraping leaves to uncover fallen fruit, seeds and invertebrates.[3]
