Short-tailed Frogmouth
Classification: Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Podargidae, Genus: Batrachostomus, Species: B. poliolophus
Brief Description
A small, nocturnal bird with a wide, frog-like beak, large dark eyes, and a short tail, designed for exceptional camouflage against forest foliage
Additional Information
- Region of Origin: Southeast Asia, specifically the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo
- Typical Sighting Period: Year-round resident; typically seen at dusk and dawn (crepuscular activity)
- Plumage Details: Highly camouflaged with a mix of brown, rufous, and grayish-green tones, featuring intricate barring and mottling that resembles moss and tree bark
- Ecological Significance: Acts as an insect predator, primarily feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects, helping to regulate local insect populations
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened (Population is declining due to habitat loss in lowland and montane forests)
- Observation Tips: Look for them sitting perfectly still on horizontal branches in dense forest undergrowth; they are best found by their distinctive soft calls at night