Camouflaged as tree

Plumage silver-grey, slightly paler below, streaked and mottled with black and rust-red. Yellow eye. Wide, heavy olive-grey to blackish bill. Body 35 – 50 cm. During the day they perch on a tree branch, often low down, camouflaged as part of the tree. Found throughout Australia, including Tasmania in almost any habitat type Eats mostly nocturnal insects, worms, slugs and snails but can feed on small mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds They breed mainly from August to December. Both sexes share sitting at night.

Photo: Mark Crocker

This remnant of a Tawny Frogmouth may have been the victim of a wantering feral cat or a domestic cat out prowling. Many tawnies die like this. Others get hit by cars when chasing moths attracted by headlights.