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Roar & Rove

Sri Lanka Frogmouth

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 10-15 years
Body size
  • Length: Approximately 23-25 cm (9-10 inches)
  • Weight: Around 50-60 grams (1.8-2.1 oz)
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Endemic to Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of India
  • Habitat: Prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, dense forests, and forest edges
Diet
  • Moths: These nocturnal insects are a significant part of its diet.
  • Beetles: Various species of beetles are consumed regularly.
  • Crickets: Another common food source, providing essential nutrients.
  • Grasshoppers: These insects are also part of its diverse diet.
  • Spiders: Small spiders are often preyed upon by this bird.
  • Other Small Invertebrates: It may also feed on a variety of other small insects and invertebrates found in its forest habitat.
Sri Lankan Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger)

The Sri Lankan Frogmouth, endemic to the lush forests of Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of India, captivates with its unique appearance and nocturnal habits.

Physical Characteristics: Measuring approximately 23-25 cm (9-10 inches) in length and weighing about 50-60 grams (1.8-2.1 oz), the Sri Lankan Frogmouth is characterized by its compact body and cryptic plumage. Its wide, flattened bill aids in capturing insects, while its soft, mottled brown and grey feathers blend seamlessly with tree bark, providing exceptional camouflage.

Habitat: This species thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, dense foliage, and forest edges. It roosts during the day, perfectly concealed against tree trunks or among dense vegetation, emerging at dusk to forage under the cover of darkness.

Diet: The Sri Lankan Frogmouth’s diet consists predominantly of:

  • Moths: A primary food source, often caught in mid-flight.
  • Beetles: Various species are consumed, providing essential nutrients.
  • Crickets and Grasshoppers: These insects are also significant prey items.
  • Spiders and Other Small Invertebrates: Supplementary foods found within its forest habitat.

Behavior: Nocturnal by nature, the Sri Lankan Frogmouth hunts silently, using its wide gape to snatch insects from leaves and branches or capture them in flight. Its soft, frog-like calls resonate through the forest at night, aiding in communication and territorial marking.

Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, the Sri Lankan Frogmouth benefits from protected forest areas in Sri Lanka. However, ongoing habitat preservation efforts are crucial to safeguard its population against habitat loss and fragmentation.

Lifespan: While specific data on wild lifespan is limited, related species are known to live up to 10-15 years in their natural habitat, highlighting the importance of preserving the diverse ecosystems it depends upon.