Often mistaken as a member of the owl family, the tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) is in fact a member of the frogmouth family – a group of nocturnal birds named for their flattened hooked bills and large frog-like gape.
Appearance
Tawny frogmouths have silver, grey and brown feathers that make them incredibly apt at camouflage. They are a medium-sized bird with a large head and shortish tail feathers. They have bright yellow-orange eyes, and a yellow mouth used to attract insects.
Distribution and habitat
The tawny frogmouth is found throughout Australia in a variety of different habitats.
Diet
Tawny frogmouths are carnivorous predators subsisting on a diet of insects, spiders, worms, bugs, beetles and small mammals such as reptiles, mice and rats.
Behaviour
A nocturnal species that will sleep during the day, often camouflaged amongst tree branches. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a tawny in the night sky as they conduct their nightly nocturnal hunt.
Breeding season
The tawny breeding season ranges from August through to December with the female laying two to three eggs each season.
Tawny frogmouths mate for life, and a breeding pair will return to the same area (sometimes even the same tree!) to nest. The pair will take turns incubating the eggs until they are ready to hatch.
General fun facts
What can you do to help?
We hope that by increasing your understanding and awareness of our beautiful wildlife, you will feel empowered to manage wildlife situations confidently and in an informed, safe and appropriate manner. For support at any time, please call our 24/7 Emergency Response Service on (03) 8400 7300.