The Tawny frogmouth inhabits many different environments including- forests, woodlands, parks, urban and rural areas throughout Australia. The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal animal, during the day they adopt an interesting statue like state which allows them to blend into environments. During all seasons temperature fluctuates meaning the bird is able to survive in most situations. During the summer frogmouths will choose to perch on a branch that wont receive exposure to the sun for the entire day. During winter they will do the opposite choosing branches that will have more exposure compared to others. A pair of roosting Frogmouths will huddle together to conserve body heat.
Challenges: When living in urban areas human activity often become a challenge to Tawny Frogmouths survival. When chasing prey such as moths they will fly in front of car in order to catch their prey. During the winter months Frogmouths food supply dwindles, leaving them with a limited amount of energy. during this time they will enter a state of Toper, similar to hibernation but it only lasts for a short amount of time, to allow for a regular body temperature. Rhythmic Pattern: The Tawny Frogmouth is a nocturnal bird, not to be confused with an owl. Being a nocurnal animal means that the competition for prey is greatly reduced as their prey is still active but other animals that also prey on the same food are not active. Actively hunting at night also gives the Tawny Frogmouth a great advantage as they have advanced night vision whilst their prey does not. |
Structural AdaptationThe Tawny Frogmouths feathers have a streaked pattern in them which makes it perfect for being able to camouflage with the natural environment. Tawny Frogmouths require mature trees with sturdy branches to be able to blend. when perched on branches if they remain still enough they resemble a dead branch as they disappear into the environment. This adaptation helps ensures survival lowering the possibility of becoming another animals prey for the day.
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Behavioural AdaptationThe birds feet have been adapted to let them perch in trees for extended amounts of time making their feet unsuitable for assisting in hunting. Tawny Frogmouths further adapted behaviourally in their hunting methods. The bird perches on a low branch and keeps alert, when they have spotted their prey Frogmouths will pounce on their prey capturing them and using their large beak to their advantage.
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Psychological AdaptationTawny Frogmouths do not only attempt to camouflage with their environment during the day. When feeling threatened the bird will respond by straightening its body with feathers packed tightly together trying its best to resemble their surrounding environment.
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