Tawny Frogmouths

Tawny Frogmouths at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium

Masters of disguise and champions of chill, Tawny Frogmouths are often mistaken for tree branches—and that’s exactly how they like it. With mottled grey feathers, a wide, frog-like beak, and piercing yellow eyes, these birds are Australia’s ultimate camouflage artists.

In the wild

Found across almost all of mainland Australia and Tasmania, Tawny Frogmouths are nocturnal insectivores, perching motionless by day and hunting by night. Unlike owls, they aren’t birds of prey—they swoop down quietly to snap up insects, spiders, and even small reptiles.

How We Keep Things Mellow for the Tawnies at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium

Insect Treats

Their diet includes a delicious mix of insects, worms, and the occasional small vertebrate, presented in a way that encourages quiet observation and natural hunting behaviours.
Blend Right In

Their aviary includes branches, logs, and high roosts, allowing them to perch in full view—or completely vanish into their surroundings.
Low-Stress Living

Because these birds value calm, we keep their space quiet, shaded, and full of hiding options—letting them control how and when they’re seen.

🐾 See if you can spot them during your visit—these silent sentinels of the night are Hobart Zoo and Aquarium’s most mysterious residents, and one of Australia’s most beloved native birds.