Tawny Frogmouth

Abstract

The tawny frogmouth is the only solely Australian frogmouth. Its wide-ranging distribution across Australia and the ease with which it adapts to human company, make the tawny frogmouth perhaps the only nocturnal bird species to grace backyards from Queensland to Western Australia, from Darwin to Melbourne and beyond, and to have a profile in the minds of Australians. Moreover, anyone who has been fortunate enough to have ever seen or held a nesting tawny frogmouth will no doubt agree that this bird is as heart-meltingly gorgeous as perhaps only a baby koala or a Labrador puppy can be. Irresistibly cute and odd in shape by any standard, it is easy to forget that the adults are extremely accomplished hunters and seriously useful in the bush and backyard.