The Tawny Frogmouth

Many years ago when I used to go to the Denver Zoo, the first room one entered in Bird World had several interesting birds. I vividly remember seeing Denver's lone Tawny Frogmouth in it's habitat, always still, always staring down at me from a high branch.

Since then, it's become a tradition of mine to seek out these cool birds whenever I visit a new zoo. Imagine my thrill when, not only did I get to see the Frogmouths at the London Zoo, but I was fortunate enough to visit on a quiet day and meet one of the keepers there. The zookeeper was pleasantly surprised to meet someone who even knew what a Tawny Frogmouth was.

These birds are so beautiful, there is a nobility in their contenance, even with it's somewhat odd appearance. They are indeed well-named, their beaks really do resemble the mouth of a frog, although the rest of their bodies is visually similar to owls.

Tawny Frogmouth Bird
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I am so fortunate to live in a place where I regularly view an array of amazing birds in their natural habitat. Living near me are 2 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles, many Ferruginous hawks, nests of Great Horned Owls where I can see the fuzzy, round heads of hatchlings peeking out each summer, Great White Pelicans lazily paddling around ponds, Hummingbirds buzzing my flower garden in the evening, Blue and Grey Herrons flying over, and so many others. Perhaps one of the reasons that I am so taken with the dear Tawny Frogmouth is because there are none here. Natives of Australia, they are literally a world away from me.

Title: "Tawny Frogmouth" Print
Dimensions: 8x10inches (20x25cm)
Print on Matte Archival Paper
Signed by Australian artist, Nadya N

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The main differences between the Frogmouths and Owls are in the mouth and feet. An Owl's beak is strong and downward facing for catching prey, wheras the Frogmouth's beak is forward facing (like a human's) because they don't really "hunt" the way Owls do. Tawny Frogmouths eat primarily insects.

The talons of an Owl are strong and sharp - made for snatching prey animals. The Tawny Frogmouth's are rather weak and used only for perching.

Close View of a Captive T...
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