Philippine Frogmouth
Batrachostomus septimus
A medium-sized night bird of lowland and montane forest; the only frogmouth in its range. Rufous and gray-brown color morphs occur, as well as intermediates. Plumage is darker in the wing, with irregular barring on the wings and tail and fine barring on the belly. Note the broken white chest band and white spots on the wing. Female is similar to male but has a narrower white collar at the back. Very well camouflaged; looks like a broken branch during the day. Voice consists of a variety of raspy calls, including a downslurred “gow!”
Identification
Like all frogmouths, the Philippine frogmouth has large eyes for better night vision, a large flat bill for capturing insects, and cryptic plumage which allows them to be camouflaged while perched during the day. They are found in the Philippines, and can be confused with the Philippine Nightjar, which despite its similar shape has very different plumage.<p>The Philippine frogmouth is a medium frogmouth, being 24–26 cm long, with two color morphs (and intermediate phases); one is a chestnut rufous with deep rufous ground color, the other a lighter brown with buff and black barring. Both morphs have three distinct light buff or white bands; one on their hindneck, a second on their lower throat, and a third around the lower breast. They have a yellow-orange iris and brown feet and bill. Although males and females have a similar appearance, females are typically darker and plainer.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Batrachostomus septimus
- Authority
- Tweeddale, 1877
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Podargidae
- Genus
- Batrachostomus
Range and habitat
The Philippine frogmouth is a sedentary bird, endemic to the Philippines, and is widely distributed within the archipelago, though noticeably absent from Palawan. Though rare, there have been sightings in India and Australia. They are thought to be found in lowland and maturing (but not mature) second growth forests, but their habitat is not known in detail as they are only active at night and do not sing songs or have loud calls.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The nest is built from a horizontal branch that is placed two to five meters above ground. It is made from the parent's own downy feathers which is held in place using spider silk, moss and lichens. The female lays one egg per season. The male incubates the egg during the day and the female at night.<p>Philippine frogmouths are adaptable, and eat large insects, such as grasshoppers, cicadas, crickets, and beetles. They feed by waiting on low branches and striking when they notice an insect moving below. Like other species in the genus Batrachostomus, the Philippine frogmouth has elongated bristles around the base of their bill, believed to protect their eyes from prey.<p>Male calls are a series of low, deep woah, wash, Guam, or g-aw noises, or a short even trill. Female calls are louder, a short mewl that descends in pitch. Both sexes have a harsh growling call they repeat several times per minute, and a harsh staccato-like scream that is believed to be an alarm call.
Conservation
The Philippine frogmouth is currently listed as species of least concern by the IUCN as of 2012, though it is believed its population is slowly declining due to habitat destruction. The reason for this listing is the large range, the rate of decline not reaching the threshold to qualify as a vulnerable species, and while the population size has not been officially quantified, it is believed to exceed the threshold to be considered vulnerable based on the population size criterion.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rufous-tailed Lark
Ammomanes phoenicura
A plain, relatively well-proportioned lark which is brownish above and rufous below, with streaks on the breast. The bill is conical and heavy, and the long wings impart a slender appearance. Inhabits open areas with scrub and rocky landscapes. Often solitary or in pairs, foraging busily on the ground and often perching on high mounds or on wires. The pleasant song consists of short whistles and liquid trilling notes.
Fulvous Antshrike
Frederickena fulva
Large antbird found in lowland and foothill rainforest in the western Amazon basin. Male is black with very fine white barring all over. Female is brown with dense black barring on body; her tail is black with white bars. Both sexes have a crest which is often held flat. Almost identical in plumage to Undulated Antshrike, though female Fulvous is more heavily marked; the two are best separated by range and voice. Also similar to both Fasciated and Barred Antshrikes, but Fulvous is larger and darker; male has much finer white barring, and female has brown underparts with wavy black bars. Pairs skulk inside dense forest understory where they are very hard to see, and usually first detected by voice. Song is a rising series of ten or so loud, emphatic whistles. Also gives a short “falling bomb” squeal.
Yellow-chinned Sunbird
Anthreptes rectirostris
A very small sunbird with a short, slightly curved bill. Males are iridescent leaf green above with a red-and-black chest band, yellow throat, and buffy gray belly. Females are drab and warbler-like with an inconspicuous pale eyebrow. Found in rainforest, farmbush, and plantations, mostly in the canopy. Males are similar to Collared Sunbird, but can be separated by the yellow rather than green chin, and the red chest band. Females can be confused with Green Hylia, which is smaller with much less conspicuous pale markings on the face.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.