Freddie
Tawny Frogmouth
Freddie
Freddie is quite a character! He is not an owl but a bird from Australia known as a Tawny Frogmouth and has a place among our collection as he is a carnivore and was actually thought to be a kind of owl many, many years ago. He is actually more closely related to the Nightjar family which are also found in the UK.
Tawny Frogmouths are noted for their outstanding camouflage which helps protect them from predators during the day.
When roosting during daylight hours a Tawny Frogmouth will stretch itself out amongst the branches and remain motionless, appearing to blend in with its surroundings.
Freddie is very affectionate and loves meeting people.
Common Name: Tawny Frogmouth
Latin Name: Podargus strigoides
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Wingspan: 650-980mm
Weight: 200-650g
Lifespan: 10 yrs in the wild, up to 30 yrs in captivity.
Diet: Mainly insects, small vertebrates.
Average Litter Size: 2-3 eggs.
Habitat: Forests and scrubland and a range of acacia woodlands with special preference for open eucalyptus woodlands, suburban parks or even golf courses.
Tasmania and Australia except in far western Queensland, central Northern Territory, and Nullarbor Plain.
