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Frogmouths, masters of camouflage

YC Wee
on 28th March 2017

Frogmouths are easily recognised by their typically big head and huge, wide and slightly hooked bill. They are nocturnal birds that roost during the day on branches often in relatively exposed locations. This is because they are masters of camouflage.

They literally melt into the surroundings, achieved through subtle colours, streaking and mottling of the soft plumage.

FrogmouthH-camouflage [ChuenKiongChng]

The image above was photographed in Chiangmai, Thailand, by Chuen Kiong Chng. Note that the Hodgson’s Frogmouth (Batrachostomus hodgsoni) blends perfectly with the dried bryophytes and lichens that make up the nest and cover the branch that the nest sits on.

Should the frogmouth senses danger it adopts a freezing posture. At the same time it closes its eyes to a mere slit. Once danger passes, it relaxes and becomes less tense.

Chuen Kiong Chng
Singapore
2nd March 2017

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

Bird Society of Singapore: A credible alternative to the Nature Society’s Bird Group

11th December 2023

Singapore-Nature: 17. Citizen Science

30th August 2023

Singapore-Nature: 16. Living close to nature

18th August 2023

Singapore’s secret “garden”

20th July 2023

Singapore-Nature: 15. Looking versus studying birds

12th July 2023

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Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

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