Tawny Frogmouth Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands is home to hundreds of different Australian Bird species. One of these is the Tawny Frogmouth, a bird which is often mistaken for an owl. Though it is similar in appearance, the Tawny Frogmouth differs in size and behaviour. A predatory bird, it waits for prey to approach rather than hunt on the wing, and will often be seen sitting perfectly still during the day.

The male and female are almost identical in appearance and grow up to 50 centimetres long. Their bulk is considerable for their size and they can weigh up to 680 grams. They can be recognised by their yellow eyes and large beak and will spend the day roosting on tree branches or logs. They camouflage themselves very well by staying still, as their grey, speckled feathers will blend in very effectively against the wood of a tree. Although it feeds primarily on insects, it will occasionally prey on small frogs and other animals and hunts nocturnally by sitting on its perch and waiting for prey to approach within striking distance. Its large eyes and good hearing aid it at night, making the Tawny Owl and very effective nocturnal hunter.

Although the Tawny Frogmouth’s camouflage make it very difficult to see, they are occasionally spotted around the Whitsunday Islands. When approached, the Tawny Frogmouth will fluff up its feathers and open its mouth in an attempt to appear intimidating.