BIRD #20 OF 45

Tawny Frogmouth

The Tawny Frogmouth is one of Australia’s best masters of camouflage. Although it’s often mistaken for an owl, it’s actually more closely related to nightjars and spends its days blending perfectly into tree branches.

If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it’s usually because it moved first.

  • HABITAT

    Woodland, forest, scrub, parks & gardens

  • CONSERVATION STATUS

    Least Concern (LC)

  • LOCATION

    All states and territories

  • HOW TO SPOT IT

    🪵 Grey-brown mottled plumage that resembles tree bark
    👀 Large yellow eyes and a broad, frog-like bill
    🌳 Often perches upright and perfectly still on branches
    🦉 Large head with cryptic feather patterns for incredible camouflage

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    When threatened, Tawny Frogmouths stretch their necks, close their eyes to narrow slits and freeze completely, making them look almost exactly like a broken tree branch.