Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides or the Tawny Frogmouth

The daytime camouflage of the tawny frogmouth is extraordinary. Sitting perfectly still on their chosen roost the stretched neck and mottled colours give the illusion of the birds being part of the tree they are sitting in. When disturbed they will close the eyes to just a little slit and sit still hoping their camouflage works. Only when really pushed will they take off with snapping beaks showing the bright yellow inside of the mouth.

They will stay in the same home range (between 20 to 80 acres) for many years, utilising the same tree each year for a nest. The nest can be within the hollow of a tree or a platform of crisscrossed twigs 3-15 metres from the ground. Both parents share the duties of raising the babies. The male and female of this species pair permanently and during the day roost near one another, often side by side on bare but sheltered branches. The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal (active at night time) bird, feeding on large insects and spiders.

Did you know...

• Tawny frogmouths aren't owls. They belong to a separate family.
• It's important that we keep old, dead trees in our parks, yards and forests to provide homes and nesting sites for animals such as frogmouths, owls, parrots and possums.
• The daytime camouflage of the tawny frogmouth is extraordinary. Sitting perfectly still on their chosen roost the stretched neck and mottled colours give the illusion of the birds being part of the tree they are sitting in.
• When disturbed they will close the eyes to just a little slit and sit still hoping their camouflage works. Only when really pushed will they take off with snapping beaks showing the bright yellow inside of the mouth.

Range of Tawny Frogmouths in Australia:

Tawny Frogmouth

Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon

Geophaps plumifera or the Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon

A small, distinctive pigeon usually found in pairs or small parties of up to 12 birds. The Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon is a beautiful pigeon found in Central and North Australia including the West Coast. It breeds through the year, and is a permanent resident of the arid spinifex grasslands. Although from dry areas, they must have access to water. After the rains, when the ground is covered with quick growing plants, the pigeons breed and their numbers increase. Though they live on the ground and can walk long distances, they are still very capable of flying.

The Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon is almost exclusively terrestrial in its habits, and seldom flies. It is generally tame and approachable and has the habit of sitting motionless for long periods on a rock or some other conspicuous vantage point. The sexes in this species look very similar. Immature birds resemble adults, but have less distinct markings.

Did you know...

• The Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon is almost exclusively terrestrial in its habits, and seldom flies. It is approachable and has the habit of sitting motionless for long periods on a conspicuous vantage point.
• Though they live on the ground and can walk long distances, they are still very capable of flying.
• These distinctive pigeons are usually found in pairs or small parties of up to 12 birds.
• After the rain, when the ground is covered with quick growing plants, the pigeons breed and their numbers increase.

Where in Australia you can find Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeons:

Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon

Gouldian Finch

Erythrura gouldiae or the Gouldian Finch

This beautiful little bird was once widespread through the grassy subcoastal woodlands of northern Australia, from the Kimberleys to Cape York Peninsula. Sadly, due to frequent burning of their feeding grounds and the spread of a mite from the farming of cereal crops, the Gouldian Finch occurs in just half their previous range. They are almost gone from around the Gulf and Cape York and the remaining colonies contain far fewer birds than before human interference. Gouldian Finches are kept widely as pets, and bred in an array of amazing colours.

The Gouldian Finch likes to feed on seeding grasses, not on the ground but by climbing the vertical grass spikes and picking out the grains. They also enjoy flying ants, and are experts at catching these in midair. When the ants are flying  these finches become almost entirely insectivorous.They are social birds, living together in small to large flocks. They are the only Australian finch to nest exclusively in tree hollows or termite mounds. They will often nest together, with up to 6 pairs sharing a single tree. The parents share the nest duties, but only the female sleeps in the nest at night. They will often rear 2 or 3 broods in each season.

Did you know...

• The Gouldian Finch bird was once widespread through the grassy subcoastal woodlands of northern Australia, from the Kimberley to Cape York Peninsula.
• Sadly, due to frequent burning of their feeding ground sand the spread of a mite from the farming of cereal crops, gouldian finches occur in just half their previous range.
• Gouldian Finches are kept widely as pets, and bred in an array of amazing colours.
• Gouldian Finches like to feed on seeding grasses, not on the ground but by climbing the vertical grass spikes and picking out the grains.
• They also enjoy flying ants, and are experts at catching these in midair.

Where in Australia is the abode of Gouldian Finch:

Gouldian Finch