Batrachostomus

These nocturnal, forest-dwelling birds get their unusual name from their wide, flattened beaks resembling a frog’s mouth. Their giant, gaping mouths aren’t just for looks—they’re useful for snapping moths, beetles, and other flying insects at night. With their squat bodies, fluffy plumage, and sleepy expressions, frogmouths are often described as looking part owl, part frog, and part plush toy, making them some of the quirkiest birds you’ll ever meet.

By day, these birds perch motionless on branches, blending in so perfectly with bark and broken stumps that they look like part of the tree. Their plumage is mottled brown, gray, and rust, often flecked with streaks that mimic lichen or moss. They don’t just rely on color, though—they perform what birdwatchers call the “stick pose,” stretching their bodies stiff and straight so they resemble nothing more than a twig or a branch stub. This makes them nearly invisible to predators and people alike, which is why many species go undetected despite living in forests near humans.

Unlike owls, which are active hunters, frogmouths prefer to sit-and-wait. They perch quietly and snap up passing insects with their wide mouths, relying on patience and stealth rather than constant flight. At night, their haunting, sometimes frog-like calls echo through the forest, adding to their strange and mysterious aura. Their large, reflective eyes also glow eerily in torchlight, often startling nighttime wanderers who stumble across them.