Marbled Frogmouth
Podargus ocellatus
NativeStatus
RareRarity
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Species Description
The Marbled Frogmouth (*Podargus ocellatus*) is a nocturnal bird found in rainforests across Australia’s Cape York Peninsula, southeastern Queensland, northeastern New South Wales, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It is the smallest frogmouth species in Australia. This species is highly adapted to blend into its forest environment, making it challenging to spot.
Fun Facts
When threatened, the Marbled Frogmouth adopts a rigid pose, perfectly mimicking a broken branch to avoid detection.
1. Long, graduated tail with widely spaced feather tips.
2. Wide, flat bill and orange eyes.
3. Bold white eyebrow stripe and barred forehead tufts
Marbled Frogmouths inhabit subtropical and tropical rainforests, vine forests, and dense forested gullies. In Australia, they are most often found in the Conondale Ranges of Queensland and in remt rainforests from Cape York to northeastern New South Wales. They prefer shaded, moist understory areas and are most active at dusk and dawn. Listening for their unusual descending “gobble” call followed by a bill snap is often the best way to detect their presence.
Some Aboriginal people’s stories, such as from the Noongar people of South Western Australia describe frogmouths (and other nocturnal birds) as night spirits or harbingers of death, with their calls considered powerful omens in the night.
Physical Attributes
Height
38 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds77%
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