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Sri Lankan frogmouth or Ceylon frogmouth

Code: Birds Life India
Skills: Birds Life India
Website: www.savetreesavelife.org

Project Description

The Sri Lanka frogmouth, also known as the Sri Lankan frogmouth or Ceylon frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger), is a captivating bird found in the Western Ghats of south India and Sri Lanka. Here are some intriguing details about this remarkable species:

Description:
- The Sri Lanka frogmouth belongs to the same family as nightjars. It is nocturnal and prefers forest habitats.
- Its plumage coloration resembles that of dried leaves, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
- These birds roost quietly on branches, making them difficult to spot. Each individual has a favorite roost spot that it uses consistently unless disturbed.
- The Sri Lanka frogmouth has a distinctive call that is usually heard at dawn and dusk.
- Males and females exhibit slight differences in plumage:
  - Male: Gray-brown with fine barring and a spotted crown. Some males appear browner and resemble females.
  - Female: More rufous or chestnut brown. Indian female birds may have fine black speckles on the crown, while Sri Lankan females may lack or have reduced markings.
  - Both sexes have short, stiff bristles around their eyes.
- A subspecies found in the Western Ghats, ssp. roonwali, displays minor differences. The male has a brownish-gray wing mirror and yellowish spots on the undersides, while the female has a bright reddish-brown wing mirror and unspotted wings below.
Habitat and Distribution:
- The Sri Lanka frogmouth inhabits the tropical forests of the Western Ghats in southwest India and Sri Lanka.
- It prefers areas with dense undergrowth but can sometimes be found in more disturbed habitats, including plantations.
- Due to its nocturnal behavior and excellent camouflage, its presence is often overlooked ¹ ³.
Behavior:
- During the day, the frogmouth is rarely seen except at roost sites or when flushed.
- When alarmed, it slowly moves its head, resembling a jagged, broken branch.
- It relies on crypsis (camouflage) and remains still for extended periods before escaping.
- Like its relatives, it feeds on insects, catching them in flight or gleaning them from the ground or tree branches.
- Small songbirds sometimes mob it at its day roost.