Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides

Status in the Wild: Believed to be common.

Range: Widely distributed in Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat: Found in many different areas including river beds and hot desert interior. Have penetrated suburban areas around cities.

Size/Weight: Eight to 21 inches long, weighing between two to four ounces. Large mouth and bill. Feet and legs are small with an elongated middle toe.

Coloration: The dorsal area is a dark, gray-brown color with a bar-like design on the tail and wings. A faint, pale stripe appears over the eye. The ventral area is pale. Bristles surround a light brown bill.

Habits: A nocturnal bird, the frogmouth occupies a roosting perch in daylight, remaining motionless unless directly disturbed. Days are spent sleeping on a roosting branch. Under extreme circumstances, it sometimes will employ an aggressive display by opening its huge mouth while clapping and extending its wings. Vocalization is a repeated booming or grunting “oom.” Frogmouths are usually found in pairs.

Diet: The frogmouth is a terrestrial feeder. Primarily insectivorous, they will also take small mammals, birds, eggs, fruits, and berries. Rapid fliers, they quickly swoop down on prey, using the powerful bill on victims before swallowing.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs from August to December, with one or two whitish eggs produced. The untidy platform nest of sticks is placed high in a tree. The 30 day incubation period is shared by the parents, with the male sitting by day; the female at night. The fledging period is about 30 days. Feeding is shared by parents.