Tawny Frogmouth
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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:
