Sri Lanka Frogmouth
Batrachostomus moniliger
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<birdfyi-bird slug="batrachostomus-moniliger"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small frogmouth (19-23 cm) endemic to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka. Rufous-brown plumage with fine white spotting. Nocturnal insectivore of dense wet forest undergrowth. Known for its loud, distinctive frog-like croaking calls at dusk, inspiring its common name.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 23.2 cm | 9.1 in |
| Weight | 52.75 g | 1.86 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Males brown-grey with black vermiculations and white scapular spots arranged in necklace pattern; females warm rufous with white spots; endemic to Sri Lanka and SW India; 'moniliger' refers to the bead-necklace scapular pattern.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of southwestern India. Resident in tropical rainforest up to 1,800 m. Classified as Vulnerable.
Diet & Feeding
Crepuscular and nocturnal ground-gleaner eating large arthropods, worms, and occasional small frogs near forest streams.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC.
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Repeated mellow 'oo-or' or 'kaow'; descending melodic whistle; calls at night from Sri Lankan rainforest; pairs often duet; alarm a soft hiss when threatened
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Podargidae (Frogmouths) |
| Genus | Batrachostomus |
| Species | Batrachostomus moniliger |
Distribution
Sri Lanka Frogmouth has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sri Lanka Frogmouth eat?
Where does the Sri Lanka Frogmouth live?
Is the Sri Lanka Frogmouth endangered?
How does the Sri Lanka Frogmouth nest?
What does the Sri Lanka Frogmouth sound like?
How big is the Sri Lanka Frogmouth?
What order and family does the Sri Lanka Frogmouth belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Podargidae family