Batrachostomus septimus
The Philippine Frogmouth (Batrachostomus septimus) is a master of camouflage, a nocturnal denizen of the Philippine forests. Measuring 28-31 cm (11-12 in) in length, this cryptic bird weighs approximately 80-100g and exhibits plumage in shades of mottled brown, grey, and rufous, often adorned with white spots and bars that perfectly blend with tree bark, making it incredibly difficult to spot. Its most distinctive field mark is its broad, flattened bill framed by prominent stiff rictal bristl...
Primarily inhabits primary and mature secondary tropical moist broadleaf forests, found from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 1,500 meters.
Feeds predominantly on large nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, and cicadas, which it catches with its wide mouth in flight or from surfaces.
A strictly nocturnal and crepuscular bird, the Philippine Frogmouth spends its days roosting motionless on horizontal tree branches, relying entirely on its exquisite camouflage. It is a sit-and-wait ambush predator, sallying out from its perch to capture large insects on the wing or gleaning the...
The Philippine Frogmouth is endemic to the Philippines, found across numerous islands in the archipelago. Its distribution includes the major islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Negros, Panay, and Bohol. It is also present on smaller islands such as Basilan, Dinagat, Siargao, Siquijor, and ...
Least Concern
- The Philippine Frogmouth is a master of disguise; its mottled plumage allows it to perfectly mimic a broken branch or tree stump, making it almost impossible to spot during the day. - Its scientific name, Batrachostomus, literally translates to 'frog-mouth' from Greek, a direct reference to its...