Masters of Disguise.

Tawny Frogmouths are certainly an unusual nocturnal bird species. They are reasonably common across Australia although they are very difficult to locate. They can even be found in the leafy suburbs of our major cities if you are lucky. Their plumage resembles the bark of trees which allows them to blend in and they will sit incredibly still to hide during the day.

There are three species in the family of Frogmouths found in Australia; The Tawny (Australia wide), Papuan Frogmouth and the Marbled Frogmouth both mainly associated with Cape York (Queensland).

I was given a tip off by a fellow birder to this nest only 200 metres from our home. It still took me a while to locate it for a photo. Even if you know they are in a particular tree it’s still difficult as they are so well camouflaged to look like sticks. Nests are flimsy, made up of sticks and leaves of mostly eucalypt trees on horizontal folks. Sometimes they will use an old nest of other birds like Magpies or Choughs. I love the big looking eyelashes.

If you wish to know more go to Tawny Frogmouth

Incidentally it was voted the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year by Birdlife Australia