Blyth's Frogmouth
Batrachostomus affinis
Cryptic, uncommon nightbird of lowland and lower foothill forests (to 800 meters). Males show extensive barring on wings, whitish lower belly, and irregular white blotches on the breast. Females are warmer brown, almost rufous, with less wing barring and a wide “necklace” of white blotches on the breast. The only frogmouth in much of its western range. Vocalizations vary; male gives a series of rippling clear whistles and both sexes give harsh nasal croaks.
Identification
Blyth's frogmouth is a small species that grows to twenty-three centimeters in length. The main color in their feathers is a shade of brown. These birds have a narrow white collar around their neck and abdomen, and scattered spots on their wings and tail. The males have a whitish lower belly with random white blotches on its breasts. The wings of the male also typically show extensive barring. The females are a warm brown, with the white blotches on the breast in the pattern of a necklace. The females also have a less wing barring than the males. The females have a more pigmented brown color than the males, and the younger birds are plainer with fewer spots. However, when just hatched, their feathers are a dark, off-shade of white.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Batrachostomus affinis
- Authority
- Blyth, 1847
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Podargidae
- Genus
- Batrachostomus
Range and habitat
Blyth's frogmouth is found in the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests of Peninsular Malaysia, the Philippines, Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Borneo, Sumatra, and more. Frogmouths thrive in dense environments such as lowlands and hilly tropical rainforests.
Behavior
This bird is typically only seen at nighttime in the lowlands and the lower forests, to about eight hundred meters in elevation. Both males and females' vocalizations give harsh nasal croaks. In addition to these croaks, the males also vocalize rippling clear whistles. These birds spend most of their time roosting motionless on tree branches. Due to their brownish color, they camouflage well into the trees. Their camouflaging ability helps them to hide and protect themselves from their predators. This species makes a "caw" sound, like crows. Blyth's frogmouth is a nocturnal species, just like its family members. The species usually create small, padded nests on branches or tree forks. Their small stature and easily camouflaged color make these birds very difficult to identify. This species typically breeds from January to April. These birds are very vocal during breeding. They go from soft whistling sounds to loud jarring rattles.
Photos
Bird Calls
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