Sri Lanka Frogmouth

Overview

The Sri Lanka frogmouth, also known as the Ceylon frogmouth, is a small nocturnal bird related to nightjars. It is native to the Western Ghats of south India and Sri Lanka, where it thrives in forest habitats and relies heavily on camouflage to remain hidden.

Identification

• Size is approximately 23 cm (9.1 in) in length with small wings and a large head featuring forward-facing eyes for binocular vision.
• The bill is wide and hooked with slit-like nostrils, and the eyes are surrounded by short, stiff bristles.
• Plumage resembles dried leaves; males are grey-brown with fine barring and a spotted crown, while females are more rufous or chestnut brown.
• Distinctive vocalisations include a loud, screechy 'shkeerauuw' that drops in volume and ends in hiccups, as well as a rapid 'skwar-skwar-skwar' call.

Habitat

This species inhabits tropical forests, typically with dense undergrowth, though it can occasionally be found in more disturbed areas such as plantations. Its range covers the Western Ghats of southwest India and the island of Sri Lanka.

Diet

The Sri Lanka frogmouth feeds on insects, which it catches in flight or gleans from the ground and tree branches.

Did you know?

When incubating, the bird covers the nest and holds its tail flush against the tree to mimic the outline of a lichen-covered snag, effectively becoming invisible to predators.