Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides

Description:

An Australian species of frogmouth, found throughout the Australian mainland, Tasmania and New Guinea. Quite often mistaken for an owl. Can grow between 35-53cm in length both males and females and as they are a bulky species they can weigh up to 680 grams. They make loud clacking noises with their beaks and emit a reverberating booming call. They hunt at night and roost on dead logs or tree branches during the day. They have excellent camouflage. The Tawny Frogmouth is almost completely insectivorous but on rare occasions has been known to feed on frogs and other small prey. The bird's large eyes and perfect hearing help with nocturnal hunting.

Habitat:

Almost any habitat, the tawny frogmouth can be found in habitats such as heath, forest, woodlands, urban and rural areas. It is unlikely to find a tawny frogmouth in treeless deserts and dense rainforests.

Species ID Suggestions

48 Comments (1–25)

JoshuaGSmith 8 years ago

My favorite!

DonnaBollenbach 11 years ago

So cool. Looks like he's smiling. Lot's of personality in that bird!

Dixie 11 years ago

OMG! Amazing photos! I don't know if it looks evil or just shocked!

GonçaloFerreira 11 years ago

Evil-looking

silolight 11 years ago

Great photo

Tom15 11 years ago

Great shot and congatulations on NGSOW!!!

MarvinColitaMejorada 11 years ago

KUDOS!

PaulBennett 11 years ago

Great Photo! :-)

PaulBennett 11 years ago

Fabulous Spotting!

geminigail 11 years ago

What a face!!!! Beautiful photo!

AmazonWorkshops 11 years ago

Congrats! It behaves in a very similar way to the Common Potoo of South America. Love that!

Jacob Gorneau 11 years ago

What an amazing little creature! I can imagine how those eyes could be mistaken for an owl! So cute! Congratulations on National Geographic Spotting of the Week!