One of the most mysterious and wonderfully strange birds of the Philippines, and a true master of disguise in the forests it calls home. Endemic to the country, this frogmouth can be found on islands such as Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, and Palawan, usually in lowland and montane forests. At first glance, it doesn’t look much like a bird at all—its squat body, flattened head, and enormous mouth make it look more like a sleepy plush toy than a feathered creature. That wide, frog-like beak is what gives the frogmouth its name, and it is perfect for snapping up moths, beetles, and other insects that buzz around at night.

During the day, it perches motionless on tree branches, often aligning its body with the bark while adopting a stiff, upright pose known as the “stick posture.” With its mottled brown, gray, and rusty feathers, it becomes almost indistinguishable from dead branches or broken stumps. Many birdwatchers can walk right past one without noticing, only realizing later that the “piece of wood” they saw was in fact a bird with big, sleepy eyes. This talent for blending in is its greatest survival trick, allowing it to avoid predators and remain hidden in plain sight.

At night, however, the Philippine frogmouth comes alive. Its huge, gaping mouth acts like a net, helping it catch insects in flight with minimal effort. It’s a patient hunter, preferring to perch quietly and snatch prey as it passes by, rather than chasing it. Its haunting calls, which sound almost like frog croaks or soft moans, echo through the forest at night and add to its ghostly reputation. These sounds, along with its eerie, glowing eyes when caught in torchlight, have made it a subject of local folklore and superstition.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Philippines

LC

2024

Breeding