
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Podargus strigoides
A nocturnal Australian bird with mottled grey plumage and a broad bill. Often mistaken for an owl but closer to the nightjars, it spends the day motionless on a branch, bill raised, looking like a broken limb.
The tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) occurs throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania. Its nocturnal habits and colouring cause it to be mistaken for an owl, but its closest relatives are the oilbird, potoos, owlet-nightjars and nightjars. It is 34-53 cm long, and in the nominate race males average 354 g and females 297 g. It is big-headed and stocky with rounded wings and short legs, and has a wide, heavy bill hooked at the tip and topped with tufts of bristles. Its eyes are large and yellow but, unlike an owl's, do not face forward. The grey morph is commonest, with chestnut or rufous female morphs in some regions. By day it sits motionless on a branch with eyes narrowed and bill raised, looking like a broken branch. From dusk it drops from a high perch to seize large nocturnal insects, spiders, worms, slugs and snails from the ground with great precision, and also takes small mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds. Pairs stay together for life and repair the same nest each year. Wild birds live up to about 14 years and captive birds 30 years or more. In Japan it is occasionally sold by dealers in raptors and owls, and it must be fed mainly live or whole prey.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Tawny Frogmouth lives Over 30 years in captivity.
The Tawny Frogmouth grows to 34-53 cm.
Origin
Forest, woodland, parks and gardens of mainland Australia and Tasmania
Lifespan
Over 30 years in captivity
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Podargus strigoides. This frogmouth is not listed in the CITES Appendices. Imports are subject to animal import notification under the Infectious Diseases Control Law, but no notification is needed to keep or transfer it within Japan. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern.
Sources: Species+ search (Podargus strigoides not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
34-53 cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Carnivorous: insects such as crickets and mealworms, and small whole prey such as mice and chicks
Almost motionless by day, it becomes active from dusk as a nocturnal bird.
It hunts by dropping from a high perch to the ground, so provide an aviary with open floor space below the perches.
It gives resonant booming calls and snapping bill sounds, mainly at night.
Fully carnivorous: feed insects and small prey, in the evening, as it does not actively feed by day.
Not an owl, but it needs raptor-style whole-prey feeding, and it can live over 30 years.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Tawny Frogmouth is Over 30 years in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Tawny Frogmouth typically reaches 34-53 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Tawny Frogmouth feeds on: Carnivorous: insects such as crickets and mealworms, and small whole prey such as mice and chicks. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Tawny Frogmouth varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026