BiologyCoachOnlineBlog

Today we would like to shine our spotlight on the Tawney frogmouth (Podargus strigoides).

The Tawny frogmouth is a species of frogmouth native to Australia and Tasmania. Tawny frogmouths are big-headed stocky birds often mistaken for owls due to their nocturnal habits and similar colouring. Tawny frogmouths can be found in almost any habitat type including forests and woodlands, scrub and heathland vegetation, and savannahs.[They do not occur in heavy rainforests and treeless deserts.] They are common in suburbs as they have adapted to human presence and they have been reported nesting in parks and gardens.

Tawny frogmouths are carnivorous and are certainly among Australia's most effective pest control birds. Their diet consists of nocturnal insects like moths as well as spiders, worms, slugs and snails. Tawney frogmouths also feed on a variety of bugs, beetles, wasps, ants, centipedes, millipedes and even scorpions. Small mammals, reptiles, frogs, and birds are also frequently eaten.

Tawny frogmouths form partnerships for life and pairs will stay in the same territory for as much as ten years. Physical contact is an integral part of the lifelong bond and, during breeding season, tawny frogmouth pairs roost closely together on the same branch while maintaining contact with their bodies. The male will also use his beak to groom his mate. The pair share in nest building as well as in incubating of eggs (with males handling incubation duties during the day). Clutch size is one to three eggs and young tawney frogmouths fledge at 25 to 35 days after hatch.