Bird Guide

Papuan Frogmouth vs Tawny Frogmouth

Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis)

Papuan Frogmouth

Podargus papuensis

Large376 gWoodland

The Papuan frogmouth is the largest of frogmouths in terms of length. Average sizes indicate that it only falls behind the Neotropical great potoo and oilbird (if the latter is a true member of the order) among the largest species in the order Caprimulgiformes. On average these birds are about 53 cm (21 in), with a range of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in). This species was found to average 414 g (14.6 oz) in males and 314 g (11.1 oz) in females, with a total range of 290 to 570 g (10 to 20 oz). The tawny frogmouth is smaller on average than this but is capable of reaching higher maximum weights. Voice: The call is a resonant 'ooom' or a laughing hoot. It is usually heard after dusk and before dawn.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY 3.0
Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)

Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides

Large308 gForest

Tawny frogmouths are large, big-headed birds that can measure from 34 to 53 cm (13 to 21 in) long. Weights have been recorded up to 680 g (1.50 lb) in the wild (and perhaps even more in captivity), but these are exceptionally high. In the nominate race, 55 males were found to weigh a mean of 354 g (12.5 oz), while 39 females weighed a mean of 297 g (10.5 oz), with a range between both of 157 to 555 g (5.5 to 19.6 oz). Among the subspecies P. s. brachypterus, 20 unsexed birds were found to average 278 g (9.8 oz) with a range of 185 to 416 g (6.5 to 14.7 oz). In P. s. Voice: Tawny frogmouths have a wide range of vocalisations that can signal information about sex, territory, food, or predators. They generally use low-amplitude and low-frequency sounds to communicate, though some of their warning screams can be heard for miles. Nestlings make a number of unique calls expressing distress, hunger, or fear.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Matt from Melbourne, Australia · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Papuan Frogmouth and Tawny Frogmouth.