Marbled Frogmouth
Podargus ocellatus
Large, nocturnal bird with very wide "frog-like" bill, an inhabitant of rainforest habitats. Compared to similar Tawny Frogmouth (often found in urban and suburban areas), Marbled has longer tail in proportion to its body, longer barred tufts above the bill, and a more blobby or marbled pattern on the underparts. Unusual call is a descending, turkey-like gobble, followed by a loud snap of the bill.
Taxonomy
There are five subspecies recognised; the nominate ocellatus is found in New Guinea and surrounding islands. Two subspecies are found on islands of Papua New Guinea; intermedius is found on Trobriand Islands and D'Entrecasteaux Islands, meeki is endemic to Tagula Island. Australia has two subspecies; marmoratus is found on Cape York Peninsula, plumiferus (known locally as the plumed frogmouth) is found in south-east Queensland.<p>Rigidipenna inexpectatus, endemic to four islands in the Solomon Islands, was formerly considered a subspecies. It was split into its own genus, Rigidipenna, in 2007.
- Scientific name
- Podargus ocellatus
- Authority
- Quoy & Gaimard, 1832
- Order
- Podargiformes
- Family
- Podargidae
- Genus
- Podargus
Range and habitat
The Conondale ranges in Queensland's Sunshine Coast is considered a stronghold for the plumed frogmouth; notable populations are within the Conondale National Park. The species is rare and is listed as vulnerable in Queensland and occurs in subtropical rainforest and vineforest at altitudes from 50–800 m. The species roosts in the canopy of and is considered cryptic and extremely hard to find or study. Current populations are threatened by land clearing, inappropriate fire regimes and timber harvesting with future impacts of climate change posing additional risks. There have been estimates of the current pairs in the Conondale ranges being around 800 pairs with the current range of the species is just under 2000 ha with some potential future habitat increase in population being created by regenerating rainforest previously logged. Its specialised habitat requirements being un-logged pristine forests, the species is considered extremely vulnerable due to significant habitat reduction. Future harvesting of native timber in the Conondale region also poses risk.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
P. ocellatus is a nocturnal ground feeder. During the day, it sleeps on a tree branch with its beak pointing upward, taking on the appearance of a tree branch. To cope with the heat and humidity of its tropical home, P. ocellatus has heart and respiration rates lower than is typical for birds of its size. During periods of hyperthermia, it will enact panting as a cooling mechanism, with more efficient cooling effect than is seen in other bird species performing the same action.<p>
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Island Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula pistrinaria
A large, long-necked pigeon, more uniformly gray than other imperial-pigeons in the region. Overall very pale, with a dark blue tail, a pinkish wash to throat and chest, and a gray back and wings. Birds in the Admiralty Islands have green wings and back. Relatively coastal, preferring smaller islands. Perches conspicuously in the open. Similar to Pacific Imperial-Pigeon, but overall paler. Birds on the Admiralty Islands differ from juvenile Red-knobbed Imperial-Pigeon in their gray, not cinnamon, belly and underside. Normally heard giving a high-pitched “ahu ahu ahu ahu” call, falling in pitch and volume.
White-sided Hillstar
Oreotrochilus leucopleurus
Small hummingbird of the Andes from southern Bolivia through Argentina into central Chile; found in rocky and shrubby valleys, villages, and any open or semiopen areas with flowers. Often builds nest under eaves of buildings or bridges: a bulky cup of plant material and wool to insulate against cold nights. Fairly common. Readily identified in most of range by extensively white tail. Male has an emerald green gorget and a broad blue-black stripe on belly. Female is rather drab, but note slightly decurved bill, spotted throat, and tail pattern.
Rusty-margined Flycatcher
Myiozetetes cayanensis
One of several medium-sized, kiskadee-like flycatchers that are bright yellow below, with bold black-and-white head pattern. Rusty-margined is one of the smaller ones, with a smaller bill than Great Kiskadee. Most similar to Social and White-ringed Flycatchers; look for combination of black cheek (not gray) and especially obvious rufous in the wings. Shorter bill than White-ringed. Voice is helpful: listen for lazy-sounding, slightly burry “wheeer” call. Found in a variety of open wooded habitats such as forest edge and second growth, often around water.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.