I just love Tawny Frogmouths

[Warrigal]

Tawny frogmouths are native to Australia and they are nocturnal, like owls. In the daytime they are camouflaged to look like the bark of trees. I find them fascinating.

This is a juvenile, just out of the nest.



Their daytime posture

 

[Victor Meldrew]

You said "...like owls..."

Does that mean they are not owls?

Because that first pic looks EXACTLY like an owl.

 

[NancyNGA]

So cute.

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

Amazing, almost impossible to find him in the tree.

 

[jujube]

So cute! He looks like he has dreadlocks.

 

[Warrigal]

You said "...like owls..."

Does that mean they are not owls?

Because that first pic looks EXACTLY like an owl.

No not owls, although they occupy roughly the same niche.

Are tawny Frogmouths owls?


With their nocturnal habit and owl-like appearance, Tawny Frogmouths are often confused with owls, but are actually more closely related to the nightjars.

Their other common name is Mo-poke because that is the sound of their rather mournful call.

 

[SeaBreeze]

So cute Warri, I love that little guy! The second photo is interesting too how they can blend so well into the tree.

 

[Laurie]

"but are actually more closely related to the nightjars."

Of course! That's why the plumage looked familiar.