Podargus strigoides

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Family

Podargidae

Genus

Podargus

Species

strigoides

Common Names

Tawny Frogmouth, Podargus

Distinguishing Features

This species is probably the best known of all the nocturnal birds, although it can be hard to spot due to its expert camouflage. Its size ranges from 34-52cm across Australia, however birds in this region are at the large end of the range. Its weathered appearance consists of mottled streaks of grey, black, cream and brown, especially complex over the wings and tail. These markings make the bird look like a bark and moss covered tree branch. The grey, broad bill is curved at the tip, with a clump of grey bristles between the bill and the big, pale yellow eyes. Male birds are always mostly grey, while females are either grey or chestnut coloured. In flight, the long, broad wings are noticeable.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A muffled, low and rapid 'ooo-oom-oom-oom' or 'ar-oom, ar-oom'.

Similar Species

The Marbled Frogmouth (Podargus ocellatus) is very similar, however they are only found in some small rainforest areas of QLD.

Distribution

The Tawny Frogmouth is found across the entire Australian continent and its offshore islands, excluding SA's Kangaroo Island.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

This species is found in low numbers every year, usually in trees with a close proximity to a nature reserve (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

Associated vegetation community

This species inhabits woodland, open forest, rainforest and tall eucalypt forest.

Limiting Resources

Tawny Frogmouths requires tall, mature eucalypt trees for roosting and nesting and are unable to travel any distance if their habitat is disturbed or if their food supply decreases.

Breeding

The breeding season in this region has been recorded to take place from October until March. Birds are generally on the nest until December and then caring for the young birds until mid March. Their untidy nest is a platform on a tree fork, constructed of large sticks lined with leaves. 2-3 glossy white eggs are laid, needing 30 days of incubation from the male by day and the female by night.  The young are ready to fly from the nest after about 4 weeks of parental care.

Behaviour

These are sedentary birds, living in pairs in fairly large territories of 20-80 hectares of woodland country. The well-camouflaged birds are most obvious in this region from November to March, as this is when family groups of up to five birds are active in each territory. They are usually seen sitting on an exposed tree limb, stiffly posed with bill pointed towards the sun and eyes closed, imitating a broken branch. When hunting, a bird will dive swiftly and silently from the perch to the ground or low branch, snatching a large insect or small mammal.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

The Tawny Frogmouth hunts at night for ground dwelling creatures, including large insects, spiders, frogs, small mammals or small birds.

Predators

Feral or domestic Cats (Felis catus) may predate young birds in their first 6 months of life.

Interesting Fact

When feeling threatened, the Tawny Frogmouth will freeze, trusting its camouflage unless it is touched, when it will react with frightening snapping of their strong yellow-mouthed bills.