Birdbrain
Seen in the Wildlife Center, Sydney, Australia.
Thanks to Georgie Sharp, who has identified the bird as a "Tawny Frogmouth".
With their nocturnal habit and owl-like appearance, Tawny Frogmouths are often confused with owls, but are actually more closely related to the nightjars. Their feet are weak however, and lack the curved talons of owls.
Identification
The general plumage of the Tawny Frogmouth is silver-grey, slightly paler below, streaked and mottled with black and rufous. A second plumage phase also occurs, with birds being russet-red. The eye is yellow in both forms, and the wide, heavy bill is olive-grey to blackish. South-eastern birds are larger than birds from the north. Tawny Frogmouths are nocturnal birds (night birds). During the day, they perch on tree branches, often low down, camouflaged as part of the tree.
Size range
34 cm to 53 cm
Similar Species
Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth
Distribution
The Tawny Frogmouth is found throughout Australia, including Tasmania.
Birdbrain
Seen in the Wildlife Center, Sydney, Australia.
Thanks to Georgie Sharp, who has identified the bird as a "Tawny Frogmouth".
With their nocturnal habit and owl-like appearance, Tawny Frogmouths are often confused with owls, but are actually more closely related to the nightjars. Their feet are weak however, and lack the curved talons of owls.
Identification
The general plumage of the Tawny Frogmouth is silver-grey, slightly paler below, streaked and mottled with black and rufous. A second plumage phase also occurs, with birds being russet-red. The eye is yellow in both forms, and the wide, heavy bill is olive-grey to blackish. South-eastern birds are larger than birds from the north. Tawny Frogmouths are nocturnal birds (night birds). During the day, they perch on tree branches, often low down, camouflaged as part of the tree.
Size range
34 cm to 53 cm
Similar Species
Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth
Distribution
The Tawny Frogmouth is found throughout Australia, including Tasmania.