Tawny Frogmouth
Podargus strigoides
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Caprimulgiformes · Podargidae
About
The tawny frogmouth is a species of frogmouth native to the Australian mainland and Tasmania and found throughout. It is a big-headed, stocky bird often mistaken for an owl due to its nocturnal habits and similar colouring.
Fun Fact
Tawny Frogmouths sit bolt upright with eyes closed when alarmed, impersonating a broken tree branch so convincingly they are rarely spotted.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found throughout most of the Australian mainland except in far western Queensland, the central Northern Territory, and most of the Nullarbor Plain.
Diet
Diet is composed of large nocturnal insects, such as moths, as well as spiders, worms, slugs, and snails, but also includes a variety of bugs, beetles, wasps, ants, centipedes, millipedes, and scorpions.
Lifespan
14 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance