Alovot is a mystery bird of Simeulue Island, Sumatra, Indonesia. Pheasant the size of a chicken. Dark-brown plumage with lighter spots. Small, comblike crest (perhaps only in one sex). Short legs. Nocturnal. Shy and cautious. Feeds on rice.Nests on stumps or logs. Egg is light brown and smaller than a hen’s.
Habitat: Dense forest. Takes wing with a heavy, low flight when surprised.
Possible explanations[]
- An unknown species of Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron sp.), suggested by Karl Shuker. The description resembles the Mountain peacock-pheasant (P. inopinatus), which lives in undisturbed mountain forests of Malaysia.
- An unknown species of Gallopheasant (Lophura sp.). The description resembles a female Crested fireback (L. ignita), once common in Sumatra and Borneo. Females are brown with white-striped underparts.