Tawny Frogmouth

Tawny Frogmouth Natural History

Size

They grow up to a height of a 53cm, a weight of 680g and have a wingspan which can stretch to between 64-97cm.

Habitat and Distribution

They are native to Australia and are also found on Tasmania. They are quite adaptable and can be found scrubland, eucalyptus and acacia woodlands, parks, forests and rainforests.

Age

The tawny frogmouth can live for up to 10 years.

Diet

These birds are classified as insectivores as they mostly feed on insects. However, they also consume worms, snails, slugs and spiders as well as small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and other birds.

They use a sit and wait technique to catch their prey so rather than actively hunting they generally wait for their meal to come to them whilst camouflaging perfectly against a tree. As opposed to many other predatory birds they use their unusual beak to catch their prey rather than their feet.

Groups and Breeding

Couples are monogamous, staying together for life. Their breeding season usually stretches from August to December and they like to use the same breeding site each year. Both males and females will incubate eggs and defend the nest from predators. It takes roughly 30 days for eggs to hatch and young can leave the nest after as soon as 35 days later.

Threats

While these animals are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN they do face threats from their predators (foxes, cats and dogs) as well as traffic which can hit them whilst in flight.

Interesting Facts

This bird is often confused for an owl, however it is more closely related to birds such as nightjars and potoos.

The Tawny Frogmouth During Your Day Out in Kent

Here at Wingham Wildlife Park we are home to two Tawny Frogmouths named Tango and Furby. They joined our park early in 2021 and can be seen in our new Nocturnal House.