We recently found a beautiful tawny frogmouth dead on the roadside. We have seen this before. What do they do that seems to attract them to be hit by cars?
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W.M., Navigators.
The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal bird that is easily dazzled by car headlights.
Its main food is moths, beetles, crickets, cockroaches, huntsman spiders and similar invertebrates, as well as mice and frogs. Most of these are captured on the ground, although insects attracted to streetlights or lit windows are also taken.
Nocturnal creatures of all kinds are often hit by cars. Unfortunately, they do not seem to be scared by car noises or lights.
Unlike owls, which catch their prey in their talons, frogmouths catch theirs in their beaks; their feet are rather weak.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
