Batrachostomus moniliger
The Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) is a captivating nocturnal bird, masterfully camouflaged to resemble a broken branch or dead leaves. Reaching lengths of 20-25 cm and weighing around 45-60g, its plumage is a intricate mosaic of mottled browns, greys, and rufous, perfectly blending with its forest environment. Key identification marks include its unusually large, broad, frog-like gape framed by prominent rictal bristles, and large, forward-facing yellow eyes that provide exce...
Found in moist evergreen and deciduous forests, as well as secondary growth and plantations, typically from lowlands up to elevations of about 1800 meters.
Mainly consumes large nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, supplemented with spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards or frogs, primarily caught by sallying from a perch.
Strictly nocturnal, the Sri Lanka Frogmouth spends its days motionless, perfectly camouflaged on a horizontal branch, often adopting a 'broken branch' posture with its head angled upwards. At dusk, it becomes active, sallying forth from a perch to catch insects in mid-air or snatching them from f...
The Sri Lanka Frogmouth is a resident species found exclusively in the Western Ghats of southwestern India and throughout Sri Lanka, exhibiting no significant migratory movements. In India, its breeding range extends across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, particularly in th...
Least Concern
- The Sri Lanka Frogmouth is often hailed as a master of camouflage, disappearing completely into its surroundings during the day. - Its scientific name, 'Batrachostomus,' literally means 'frog mouth,' a direct reference to its remarkably wide gape. - Despite its name, it is not closely related t...