ANIMAL SPECIES:Tawny Frogmouth
With their nocturnal habit and owl-like appearance, Tawny Frogmouths are often confused with owls, but are actually more closely related to the nightjars. Their feet are weak however, and lack the curved talons of owls.
Size range
35 - 50 cmDistribution
Throughout Australia
Habitat
Heath, forest and woodlands, urban, rural.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The bulk of the Tawny Frogmouth's diet is made up of nocturnal insects, worms, slugs and snails. Small mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds are also eaten. Most food is obtained by pouncing to the ground from a tree or other elevated perch. Some prey items, such as moths, are caught in flight, which has led to many unfortunate instances of birds being hit by cars while chasing insects illuminated in the beam of the headlights.
Other behaviours and adaptations
During the day, the Tawny Frogmouth perches on a tree branch, often low down, camouflaged as part of the tree.
Communication
A repeated low oom oom oom. Also makes a loud hissing noise when threatened.
Classification
- Species:
- strigoides
- Genus:
- Podargus
- Family:
- Podargidae
- Order:
- Caprimulgiformes
- Class:
- Aves
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
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Tawny Frogmouth View full size
Norm Chaffer
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