Marbled Frogmouth

Overview

The marbled frogmouth, Podargus ocellatus, is a bird in the family Podargidae found in the Aru Islands, New Guinea and Queensland. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although the plumed frogmouth subspecies in Queensland is considered vulnerable.

Identification

• Behaviour: Extremely cryptic and nocturnal, often sleeping on a branch with its beak pointing upward to resemble a tree branch.
• Plumage: Described in local common names as 'plumed' for the Queensland subspecies plumiferus.

Habitat

The species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, specifically un-logged pristine forests and vineforest at altitudes of 50–800 m. In Queensland, the Conondale ranges are considered a stronghold for the plumed frogmouth, with a current range of just under 2000 hectares.

Diet

The species is a nocturnal ground feeder.

Did you know?

To cope with the heat and humidity of its tropical home, P. ocellatus maintains heart and respiration rates lower than is typical for birds of its size. During hyperthermia, it exhibits panting that is more efficient for cooling than seen in other bird species performing the same action.