Tawny Frogmouth

Description:

Often mistaken as an owl it is actually more closely related to a night-jar. They can range in colour from grey to brown, flecked with white and black. Between the bright orange eyes are bristle like feathers, the inside of the mouth is bright yellow. These nocturnal birds hunt after dusk and before dawn, diving on prey from low branches or catching flying insects. When threatened they stretch their neck out and camouflage as branches.

Habitat:

Open forests and woodlands as well as urban gardens.

Notes:

Spotted this tawny during a spotlight at Greater Glider conservation Area. As soon as you take your eyes off them they take off in a silent flight.