Podargus strigoides (Tawny Frogmouth) at Wanniassa Hill

Tawny Frogmouth at Wanniassa Hill

Podargus strigoides at Wanniassa Hill - 2 Dec 2018

2 images

Identification history

Podargus strigoides	24 Dec 2018	natureguy
Podargus strigoides	23 Dec 2018	YumiCallaway

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Author's notes

Walking back from nature reserve after dark and saw it fly over us and perch on a dead branch. Took a blind photo before it flew off.

4 comments

julielindner wrote:

24 Dec 2018

What about a Boobook owl can you explain the difference?

YumiCallaway wrote:

24 Dec 2018

It's a Tawny Frogmouth. Southern Boobooks are brown (Frogmouths are grey), Frogmouths have very light colouring on the front, wing pattern is different (a good example of wing pattern of a Boobook and Frogmouth respectively would be these:

Ninox boobook (Southern Boobook) on 3 Apr 2018 &

Podargus strigoides (Tawny Frogmouth) on 15 Dec 2018) and Frogmouths have a distinct posture and shape (eg. head, perching posture at night). After you see a lot of them, you'll be able to recognise Frogmouths without having to compare them to other species - they're quite unique. :)

julielindner wrote:

27 Dec 2018

Sorry i should have been more specific. I have both Boobooks and Frog mouths in the park near me and even though Boobooks are brown in the night light they look grey and have a similar stance..

YumiCallaway wrote:

27 Dec 2018

Frogmouths have a distinct patterning of white on their feathers with the most noticeable one on the edge of the primary flight feathers. I have added another photo which I edited to have more light so it's easier to see the pattern and colour. I also had another observer with me who agrees this was a Frogmouth. This is most definitely a Tawny Frogmouth.

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