Bird Guide

Sunda Frogmouth

Batrachostomus cornutus

Least ConcernInvertebratesForestPlatform nestMedium · 86 g

About the Sunda Frogmouth

The Sunda frogmouth is a medium-sized, old world species of bird within the order Podargiformes. It is also uncommonly referred to as the long-tailed frogmouth or the horned frogmouth. The term "Sunda" is based on the geographical range of the species to regions around the Sunda islands. The genus name, Batrachostomus, is a Greek translation to 'frogmouth', which comes from the wide shape of the bill and slight gape. The species name cornutus is a Latin word translated to "having horns", referring to the tufts of feathers on the head.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The young Sunda frogmouth is covered in down. There are two successive downy plumages, which characterizes more primitive birds. The first down is much shorter than the second down. The second down occurs on the 7th day and the juvenile plumage comes in around 3 to 4 weeks. This plumage is a softer and looser texture with more pointed primary feathers. Within a few weeks of fledging, the first adult plumage comes in. The frogmouth has one moult per year. The Sunda frogmouth has a round tail with a centrifugal moult, meaning it moults from the inside out. Voice: The analysis of sonograms is the best way to identify frogmouth species. The calls make a "gwaa" noise. The females will make the main territorial call. The other main vocalization from frogmouths is hissing during defence behavior.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Sunda Frogmouth lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Brunei.

When to see the Sunda Frogmouth

Peak activity in July · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Sunda Frogmouth in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.