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CHEYENNE
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Tawny Frogmouth
Presented By
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Auxiliary
Scientific Name: Podargus Strigoides
Class: Aves Order:
Caprimulgiformes
Family: Podargidae
Geographic Range: Australia, Tasmania.
Habitat: Dry tropical forests, Eucalyptus
woodlands.
Physical Characteristics:
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Height: 12-20 inches.
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3-4 oz.
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Large, sharply hooked beak with a large gape.
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Weak legs and feet.
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Short tails.
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Short, owl-like wings. Wingspan 1.5-2 ft.
Adaptations:
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Brown to gray plumage streaked with black and brown. Excellent camouflage,
looking like a broken tree branch.
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Mouth brightly colored when opened. May attract prey (insects).
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Nocturnal. Hunts at night by pouncing on terrestrial prey from a low perch.
Ecological Niche:
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Carnivore/secondary consumer.
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Reproduction:
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Builds nest of twigs in the fork of a tree.
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Clutch size is 1 to 2 white eggs (1x1.6 inches) incubated by female at
night. Male sometime relieves female in daytime.
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Incubation approximately 30 days.
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Nestling period approximately 30 days.
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Both parents share in feeding.
Life Span: Unknown. Difficult to study because
it is nocturnal and its disguise is so good.
Predator/Prey Relationship:
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Feeds on insects, snails, and, sometimes, birds and frogs.
Conservation: The tawny frogmouth is found
in natural and man-made habitats throughout its range. Although large-scale
building and development threaten some local populations, the bird’s ability
to adapt ensures its survival.
Other Information:
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Often mistaken for an owl, but not in the owl family.
Zoo Diet: Diverse invertebrates, small rodents,
commercial Bird of Prey meat diet.
Location at the zoo: Bird of Prey hill
in summer, Bird and Reptile house in winter.
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4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone(719)633-9925 Fax (719)633-2254
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