ExploreBirds

Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides

The Tawny Frogmouth is a unique bird that looks like a tree branch! It has soft, brown feathers that help it blend into its surroundings. These birds are mostly active at night and love to catch insects and small animals.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Tawny Frogmouth is a stocky nocturnal bird with mottled grey, brown, and rufous plumage, perfectly mimicking tree bark. It has striking yellow eyes and a uniquely broad, frog-like mouth. Its flattened head and wide bill make it visually distinct from owls.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCaprimulgiformesFamilyPodargidaeGenusPodargus
Tawny Frogmouth
feathered trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Tawny Frogmouth

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It's not an owl, but often mistaken for one due to its nocturnal habits!

Sometimes they pretend to be a broken branch, pointing their bill upwards!

Their eyes are fixed, so they must turn their heads to look around.

They build flimsy stick nests, often reusing old cuckoo-shrike nests.

Special abilities

Ability

Master of Disguise

Tawny Frogmouth has mottled feathers that perfectly mimic tree bark, helping them hide from predators and find prey.

Ability

Silent Predator

Tawny Frogmouth can catch flying insects in the dark because it has excellent night vision and surprisingly silent flight.

Ability

Wide Gape Trap

Tawny Frogmouth has an incredibly wide mouth that acts like a trap, letting it scoop up insects and small creatures quickly.

Measurements & details

Length
34-53 cm
Wingspan
65-98 cm
Weight
0.17-0.68 kg
Lifespan
10-14 years
Top Speed
30 km/h
Clutch Size
1-3
Incubation
25-32 days

Diet & Feeding

These nighttime hunters gobble up insects, spiders, and even small critters like mice!

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • moths
  • spiders
  • slugs
  • mice
  • small frogs

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

eats

Christmas Beetle

Anoplognathus aureus

eats flying beetles at night

hunts

House Mouse

Mus musculus

hunts small rodents for food

eaten by

Lace Monitor

Varanus varius

lizards prey on eggs and chicks

eaten by

Domestic Cat

Felis catus

feral cats prey on birds

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always observe birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Tawny Frogmouth?

34-53 cm

What is Tawny Frogmouth's wingspan?

65-98 cm

How much does Tawny Frogmouth weigh?

0.17-0.68 kg

How long does Tawny Frogmouth live?

10-14 years

How fast can Tawny Frogmouth move?

30 km/h

What does Tawny Frogmouth eat?

These nighttime hunters gobble up insects, spiders, and even small critters like mice!

Where is Tawny Frogmouth usually found?

Forests

How does Tawny Frogmouth hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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