It is found in the tropical lowland and hill forests, but nests in the open sandy areas, volcanic soils, or beaches that are heated by the sun or geothermal energy for incubation.

The maleo ranges from 55–60 cm (22–24 in) long with blackish plumage, bare yellow facial skin, reddish-brown iris, reddish-orange beak, and rosy salmon underparts.

Juvenile birds have largely brownish and paler heads with short blackish-brown crests and browner upper parts.

The female lays and covers each egg in a deep hole in the sand and allows the incubation to take place through solar or volcanic heating.

They must find food and defend themselves from predators such as monitor lizards, reticulated pythons, wild pigs, and cats.

Ideal nesting locations include river banks, lake shores, and coastal areas of the island.

[3] When prepared to lay her eggs, the female maleo, accompanied by her mate, will leave the cover of the Sulawesian forest in search of historic coastal breeding grounds.

There has also been increasing isolation between non-breeding habitats and coastal breeding grounds as a result of human urban development.

[5] The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation works with communities in Sulawesi to educate locals about the maleo's endangered status and prevent the harvesting of eggs.