Tawny Frogmouth

Facts

scientific name

Podargus strigoides

conservation status

Least Concern

weight

680 Grams

diet

They feed on large nocturnal insects, spiders, centipedes. Occasionally small mammals and frogs.

habitat

The Tawny Frogmouth is found in open forests and woodlands widely across Australia.

Tawny Frogmouths are named for their large flattened hooked bills and huge frog-like gape. Tawny Frogmouths are often mistaken for being owls; however they are actually more closely related to nightjars. Frogmouths are not raptorial or predatory birds. They catch their food with their beaks rather than with their talons, which is a major difference from the owl family. Owls fly around at night hunting food, whereas the. Tawny Frogmouths generally remain still on a low perch, waiting for food to come to them. Their large eyes and excellent hearing assists with their nocturnal hunting. The Tawny Frogmouth is considered the daytime camouflage specialist. They rest, horizontally and perfectly still, on branches during the day, beautifully camouflaged – this is their defence when they feel threatened.