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
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Copsychus saularis
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Large wren occurring locally in a small area on the Gulf Coast of Veracruz. Usually found in small groups, less often in pairs. Mainly found in semi-dry scrubby habitats. Note boldly barred wings and tail and rufous back and nape patch. Only large wren in range. Often detected by its marvelous loud song, often given by multiple birds at once, which consists of various nasal and whistled notes, with some harsh elements mixed in.
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