Get to know the tawny frogmouth

This much-loved nocturnal bird, recently crowned BirdLife Australia’s Bird of the Year 2025, is one of our most fascinating native species. Here are five facts to help you get to know it better.

1. Not an owl!

While they may look and behave like owls, tawny frogmouths are actually more closely related to nightjar birds. The giveaway is in their feet, they’re weak and lack the curved talons owls use to grab prey. Instead, tawny frogmouths use their wide beaks to catch insects, worms and small animals.

2. Masters of disguise

During the day, tawny frogmouths rely on their incredible camouflage to stay safe. They perch completely still on branches, stretching their necks and pointing their beaks upward to mimic the look of a broken tree limb. With plumage that blends perfectly into bark, they’re almost impossible to spot.

3. Clever hunters

At night, the tawny frogmouth’s hunting tricks come to life. They primarily hunt by pouncing from an elevated perch to take prey from the ground but are also capable of catching small flying insects in flight. When something bigger comes along, like a mouse, they grab it with their beak and knock it against a branch before eating.

If they don't feel like doing any of that, they’ll try their luck by sitting with their beaks open, letting the moonlight illuminate the vibrant yellow interior, which acts as a natural lure for insects. 

4. Found almost everywhere

From Tasmania to the tropics, tawny frogmouths can be found in almost every habitat except dense rainforests and treeless deserts. They’re a common sight in parks and gardens across Australia, proving how well they’ve adapted to living near people.

5. Parenting partnership

Both parents share nesting duties. The male keeps the eggs warm during the day while both take turns at night, using a simple stick platform in a tree fork.

So next time you hear an “oom-oom” in the night, look closely – you might just spot a tawny frogmouth blending perfectly into the trees.