Tawny Frogmouth

Hi! I’m a Tawny Frogmouth

Although they look and behave much like owls, Tawny Frogmouths are in fact more closely related to nightjars. They are nocturnal, relying on their excellent camouflage to protect them while they sleep in low tree branches through the day.

The National Zoo and Aquarium is home to two Tawny Frogmouths: Muppet and Barka.

Tawny Frogmouth Facts

Taxonomy

Podargus strigoides

Population Movement

Stable

Current Animals

Muppet, Barka

Life Span (captive)

Variable. Average is 14 years.

Weight

Up to 680 g

Reproduction

 Females typically lay two to three eggs each breeding season 

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Group Count

2

Life Span (wild)

14 years

Size

34–53 cm 

Gestation

The gestation period for tawny frogmouths is 28–32 days

Distribution

throughout most of the Australian mainland