| Papuan Frogmouth | |
|---|---|
| male | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family: | Podargidae |
| Genus: | Podargus |
| Species: | P. papuensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Podargus papuensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1830 |
|
The Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis) is a species of bird in the Podargidae family.
Contents |
The species was originally described by zoologist Jean René Constant Quoy and naturalist Joseph Paul Gaimard in 1830.
There are three subspecies: P. p. papuensis, P. p. baileyi and P. p. rogersi[2]
The Papuan Frogmouth is the largest of frogmouths in terms of length and rivals the Neotropical Great Potoo as the largest species in the order Caprimulgiformes.[3] On average these birds are about 53 cm (21 in), with a range of 50–60 cm (20–24 in), and weigh about 380 grams (13 oz), with a range of 300–570 g (11–20 oz).[4][5] The Tawny Frogmouth is smaller in length but often reaches heavier weights. The Papuan Frogmouth has a bulbous bill, red eye, cream eyebrow, long tail and dark wings. The male of the species is slightly larger, darker and marbled in appearance. The female is more rufous in appearance.
P. p. baileyi is smaller, and darker. P. p. rogersi is larger and paler.[6]
Similar species include the Tawny Frogmouth. The Papuan Frogmouth is larger, has red eyes, a longer tail and darker wings.[6]
It is found in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, within the Torres Strait and on other islands.[6]
This species' natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
The call is a resonant 'ooom' or a laughing hoot. It is usually heard after dusk and before dawn.[7]
Breeding takes place from August to January.[6] One or two white eggs are placed in a nest consisting of a few sticks placed in the fork of a branch.[6]
The Papuan frogmouth is strictly nocturnal. It hunts for large insects but also lizards, frogs and small rodents on the ground from dusk.[7]
It has been speculated that the Papuan frogmouth may secrete a substance in its mouth that attracts flies.[8] According to a number of observers is able to wait with its mouth open and flies enter to investigate the odor.[9]