Name:  Tawny Frogmouth

Range:
Australian-Papuan region and southeasterly parts of the Indo-Malayan islands.

Habitat:
Adapted to many types of habitat, from rain forest to stunted scrub. However, woody plants are essential.

Description:
Gray-brown or red-brown marbled color; beak is large, boat shaped and thickly horny; length is 8.5-21".

Adaptations/Habitat:
A nocturnal bird, the tawny frogmouth is well camouflaged for hiding during the day. They roost in trees where their squatting posture and cryptic plumage render them indistinguishable from dead spurs of wood. They survey approaching enemies through half-closed eyes, but remaining motionless for as long as possible. At dusk, their sluggishness disappears and they silently fly off to forage. They hunt on the ground or in the trees. Their call is a low-pitched croak that can carry a half mile.

Breeding/Growth:

Diet:
Scorpions, centipedes, insects, snails, frogs, lizards, birds, and mice.

Exhibit:
Tawny frogmouth, near Zoo train

Notes: