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tawny frogmouth

bird
Also known as: Podargus strigoides

Quick Summary

The tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) is a bird native to Australia and Tasmania, measuring about 20 inches (50 cm) in length. It belongs to the family Podargidae, characterized by a broad, froglike gape and a substantial, slightly hooked bill. These birds are protectively colored in shades of reddish brown or gray, allowing them to camouflage effectively among branches during the day.12

Tawny frogmouths are nocturnal hunters, feeding on large insects, small lizards, and mice. They typically lay two or three eggs on a simple nest of twigs. Their large eyes, often brown, orange, or ruby in color, are adapted for nighttime vision.12

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