Day: March 19, 2024

Bird of the Week Invitation LVI

After a conversation during last week about a photo I posted I said I would do the Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides for my Bird of the Week. I have also thrown Marbled Frogmouths Podargus ocellatusin as that was the southern limit. It is hard to tell the difference

With their nocturnal habit and owl-like appearance, Tawny Frogmouths are often confused with owls, but are actually more closely related to the nightjars.
During the day, it sleeps on a tree branch with its beak pointing upward, taking on the appearance of a tree branch.

The nest is a loose platform of sticks, which is usually placed on a horizontal forked tree branch and a loose platform it is. They must be the laziest nest builders. Most likely use the she’ll be right technique

Frogmouths are nocturnal ground feeders. To cope with the heat and humidity of its tropical home, Marbled Frogmouths have heart and respiration rates lower than is typical for birds of its size.

I like this photo. Rather cute I think.

What do they sound like? You have to know. Here is the Tawny Frogmouth

This is the Marbled Frogmouth

REF: http://www.graemechapman.com.au/index.php

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.

Here is the photo that started it all

REF: https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/tawny-frogmouth/
REF: https://sunshinecoastbirds.blogspot.com/2012/11/marbled-frogmouth-tawny-frogmouth.html