Marbled frogmouth
Podargus ocellatus, race plumiferous
This is a beautifully plumaged bird with mottling or marbling giving the appearance of rough bark. Like other frogmouths, when disturbed it freezes motionless, relying on camouflage to conceal its presence. This bird is also called the plumed frogmouth due to barred bristles or 'plumes' protruding above its bill. It is distinguished from the more common tawny frogmouth which has paler eyes and unbarred plumes.
The marbled frogmouth lives in patches of subtropical rainforest. It is listed as vulnerable in Queensland due to habitat clearing but their distinctive guttural 'gobble gobble' call and bill-clapping is occasionally heard in this rainforest. It is most active at dusk and dawn (crepuscular)and takes prey, such as insects and frogs, from the mid-canopy.
(Illustration by Kay McKee)
More amazing animals . . .
Rainforest Gardeners - Red legged pademelon - Imperial fruit moth
Mountain crayfish - Giant barred frog - Angle-headed dragon
Red-bellied black snake - Marbled frogmouth
