A uniformly blackish-brown megapode with a crested head. A bird of lowland forest, most often seen foraging on the ground singly or in pairs. Where it overlaps with Moluccan Scrubfowl, note the uniform dark coloration of Dusky Scrubfowl, lacking any upperpart markings. Crested head and lack of facial wattles in Dusky Scrubfowl differentiate it from Waigeo Brush-Turkey. Frequently given song is a loud rising whistle “keey-keey,” sometimes followed by a softer, descending, wavering “kwolooooor.” Pairs often duet.