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Tawny frogmouth

Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.

Read more about Tawny frogmouth

The tawny frogmouth is more closely related to the nightjar. With silver-grey plumage and mottled black markings, it is an expert at camouflage and can sit motionless in a tree during the day, so that it very closely resembles part of a tree branch. A deadly hunter by night, the tawny frogmouth feeds on worms, insects, frogs and some small mammals and snakes.

The tawny frogmouth is a territorial and monogamous species which is found throughout Australia.

Animal facts

Common name
Tawny frogmouth
Scientific name
Podargus strigoides
Conservation status in NSW
Protected

Parks in which this animal is found